Chelsea youngster Geovany Quenda may not be getting many opportunities under Xabi Alonso, but his performance against Tottenham has certainly caught someone’s eye.

Portugal manager Jorge Jesus has included the 19-year-old in his latest senior squad, despite acknowledging his lack of playing time at Stamford Bridge.

And it turns out Quenda’s display against Spurs played a big part in that decision.

Jesus watched the London derby himself and was impressed enough to make room for the youngster. He even described him as “the future of the national team”.

Jorge Jesus watched Chelsea youngster against Tottenham

Speaking at his press conference on Friday, in comments shared by MaisFutebol, Jesus explained why Quenda deserved a place in his squad.

“Geovany Quenda hasn’t been starting that many games for Chelsea,” he said.

“He played one of the last matches against Tottenham. I watched that game and thought he had an excellent performance.”

“In the other games, as you rightly said, he comes on for very few minutes. But he’s a kid, a young player, he’s the future of the national team.”

Well, Jesus might have liked what he saw… but most Chelsea fans may not feel the same way.

What Quenda actually did against Tottenham

Quenda played 72 minutes against Spurs, getting a rare opportunity to show what he could offer Alonso. His attacking contribution was fairly limited, although he did put in some useful defensive work.

There wasn’t much to get excited about going forward. Quenda completed no dribbles, attempted just 12 passes and didn’t create a chance.

Defensively, though, he had a decent afternoon. Both of his tackles were successful, and he recovered possession four times.

It’s an interesting contrast with Jesus’ assessment. The Portuguese manager clearly saw enough beyond the attacking numbers to consider it an excellent performance.

Quenda hasn’t had many chances to impress, to be fair, but one of those rare starts has already helped him earn international recognition.

Quenda gets his chance with Portugal

Jesus also explained that his decision is part of a wider plan to introduce younger players to the senior squad.

“I want to start getting the young players adapted. It’s not about thinking about 2030, the World Cup or the European Championship. It’s nothing like that.”

“Football, for me, is day by day. It’s about my ideas, getting them adapted to my ideas, so that with each call-up they’re closer and better prepared to develop what I want for the national team.”

Only last month, he was discussing his lack of minutes at Chelsea while away with Portugal’s U21s. He admitted there was little he could do beyond accepting his manager’s decisions.

Now he’s been promoted to the senior squad, despite his club situation remaining largely unchanged.

Whether the youngster gets meaningful minutes for Portugal is another matter. Jesus has made it clear, though, that he wants to start working with him.

And perhaps Alonso will find some encouragement in that too. Even if Chelsea’s young winger isn’t producing much just yet, he’s clearly doing something right.