Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso lauded Estevao's reaction to limited minutes after a 2-0 Premier League win over Manchester United.
Estevao answered his critics on the pitch, and Xabi Alonso made sure everyone noticed. The Chelsea manager singled out the young Brazilian winger for praise after the Blues beat a struggling Manchester United 2-0 in the Premier League.
The talking point going in was playing time. Estevao had not been getting as many minutes as he would have liked, and the question was how the talented winger would respond when his chance came. According to Alonso, the response was exactly what a coach wants to see.
For a young player, patience and professionalism count for a lot when the spotlight moves elsewhere. Alonso's praise suggests Estevao handled the frustration of limited gametime the right way, staying sharp and ready to make an impact.
The result was also a big statement for Chelsea. Beating a United side in difficulty adds momentum to the Blues' campaign, and Estevao's performance gives Alonso another strong option as the Premier League season rolls on. Competition for places in the final third is fierce, and the Brazilian has just made his case louder.
