On Friday evening, Chelsea suffered a 3‑0 defeat to Brentford at the GTech Community Stadium, a result that has raised questions about manager Xabi Alonso’s selection policy. The Spanish coach fielded 16‑year‑old midfielder Mahdi Nicoll‑Jazuli in a side that was already struggling to find its rhythm in the Premier League.
The Blues were unable to stop the Bees from scoring three goals in the second half, and the loss marks the first time this season that Chelsea has conceded at least two goals in each of its league matches. Key players were missing: Moises Caicedo was ruled out with a muscle injury, and Reece James was also unavailable after a recent injury crisis.
Alonso’s starting XI featured 36‑year‑old Jordan Henderson and summer signing Valentin Barco in midfield, with Romeo Lavia on the bench. When the scoreline slipped to 2‑0, the manager turned to the teenage prospect, a move that prompted criticism from former player Joe Cole.
“Xabi Alonso is sending a message to the board saying we have not got enough, and I’m putting a 16‑year‑old kid into midfield when we are chasing a game away to our rivals. That was clear as day for me. And the way he walked off at the end, I think he is furious with that.”
Despite the late injury‑time goal from Fabio Carvalho, the result left Chelsea with two early defeats this season: a 2‑1 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium and the 3‑0 loss to Brentford. The club’s recent departures of Andrey Santos to Manchester United and Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City have also been cited as factors weakening the squad’s midfield strength.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>