Xabi Alonso finally appeased Chelsea supporters and even Joe Cole’s son by starting Estevao against Manchester United. Steven Gerrard is a huge fan of the Brazilian.

Cole spoke to Alonso before the game for an interview and told The Dressing Room podcast that he took his son Harry with him, given it is half-term. Cole says his son Harry’s first question was about Estevao.

The next day, Estevao started. It wasn’t only Cole’s son who had been urging Alonso to start Estevao, but the entire Chelsea fanbase, too. Estevao did those calls for his inclusion justice with a superb display.

The Brazil winger was unlucky not to score, having two goals disallowed; the second of which was very close to being onside. Estevao got a big hug from Alonso when he came off, after his first league start.

Steven Gerrard says Liverpool lack a player like Estevao

There were issues, too. Estevao should have picked out a teammate towards the end of the first half when put through. Instead, his shot was straight at Senne Lammens. Josh Acheampong didn’t get much help.

But Estevao certainly caught the eye. Steven Gerrard told The Overlap Daily on Monday that he loved the teenager’s performance, praising Estevao for his direct approach, claiming Liverpool lack a player like him.

“He’s really exciting. He’s great to watch, your typical Brazilian; flair, quality. I love that he’s direct; I really like that he’s hungry to get shots off. If there is a criticism of Liverpool in attack, they don’t shoot enough.

“They’re looking for an extra pass or that bit of perfection, whereas what I like about Estevao is the one where he comes off the right, a combination play; he whips one, and it’s a fantastic save,” Gerrard said.

“I like the way he is hungry to get shots off. There was an opportunity in the first half where he could have slowed it down and passed towards the edge of the box, but he wanted to be hungry and get a goal.”

Gerrard identifies the problem Estevao now gives Alonso

Joao Pedro is expected to remain unavailable this weekend when Chelsea go to Sunderland, and it might see Estevao remain in the starting XI. Pedro was left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for November.

But when Pedro comes back in, Alonso will be left with a big selection headache. Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Pedro start in an attacking foursome, leaving Alonso to choose either Pedro Neto or Estevao.

Gerrard says Estevao will give Alonso a headache: “He is going to give Xabi a problem when Joao Pedro comes back. Neto is a great player, but five doesn’t go into that front four. He’s done himself no harm.”

Sunday’s trip to Wearside should be a slightly easier choice for Alonso, but when Pedro does return to action, it will be interesting to see if Alonso retains Estevao in his starting XI – or keeps Neto wide right.