Estevao Willian was used from the bench on Sunday afternoon at Sunderland despite impressing for Chelsea the weekend before against Manchester United

Paul Merson believes Xabi Alonso "played into Sunderland's hands" on Sunday afternoon and also criticised the Chelsea manager for not starting Estevao Willian.

Despite being one of the Blues' standout performers eight days prior, in the 2-0 win over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, Estevao was used from the bench at the Stadium of Light over the weekend. The Brazil international was brought on for the second half with Levi Colwill, who struggled in the opening 45 minutes up against Black Cats striker Brian Brobbey, being replaced at the interval.

Estevao was unable to make the difference for the visitors in the second period, with Sunderland picking up a crucial three points. Merson, a lifelong Chelsea supporter, thinks Alonso made the wrong call by not starting the 19-year-old.

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Speaking in his Sky Sports column, the former Arsenal midfielder said: "I thought Xabi Alonso played into Sunderland's hands, if I'm being honest. He went there and showed them a little bit more respect than what I thought he should have.

"They were bottom of the league with five points, and they were bottom of the league with five points for a reason.

"Do you know what really worried me? Estevao was Chelsea's best player by a million miles last week against Manchester United - especially in the first half when they were really bad. They should have been 2-0 down at half time.

"But all of a sudden, they go to Sunderland and he's not playing. And he was missed. He's someone who can take the ball up the pitch for them.

"Alonso had to pick Estevao, play the same team they put out against Man Utd and get him to run with the ball. Instead, he tried to make it tight, and make sure they don't get beat over winning the game."

Alonso has called on Estevao from the start just once in the Premier League this season - something that has led to speculation over the Brazil international's future. Although such noise has at least quieted down since his start against Man Utd.

Chelsea welcome Leeds United to Stamford Bridge in their first game back from the final international break of 2026 on November 21. Estevao, though, has been included in Carlo Ancelotti's latest Brazil squad for their upcoming friendlies against Japan and Singapore.

Despite his lack of minutes for the Blues, Ancelotti has called on Estevao to show his quality while representing Brazil: "We hope he can show all the quality he has. We'll keep an eye on him.

"If he doesn't play a single minute at Chelsea, we'll keep an eye on him until the day we think he's no longer useful for the national team."

The second of Brazil's friendlies, due to be played on November 17, is in Singapore at the National Stadium in Kallang. That is around a 15-hour flight back to London, meaning Estevao's preparation for the visit of Leeds will be heavily impacted.