Former Chelsea player, Joe Cole has noted that the club’s manager, Xabi Alonso, has sent a ‘furious’ message to the board through his decision to introduce 16-year-old Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli during their 3-0 loss away to Brentford on Friday evening.
The Blues conceded three goals in the second half at the GTech Community Stadium on Friday evening, having now allowed at least two goals in each of their Premier League matches this season.
Moises Caicedo remains unavailable to start a match this term due to a muscle injury and was absent once again against the Bees. Reece James was similarly unavailable, having regularly played in midfield under Alonso.
In their absence, Alonso selected 36-year-old Jordan Henderson in midfield alongside summer acquisition, Valentin Barco.
Although Romeo Lavia was among the substitutes, Alonso turned to young prospect, Nicoll-Jazuli as Chelsea pursued the match late in the game, trailing by two goals before Fabio Carvalho scored in injury time.
Midfield was perhaps Chelsea’s strongest position on the pitch last season.
However, the team appears considerably weaker following the sales of Andrey Santos and Enzo Fernandez to Manchester United and Manchester City, respectively.
Cole said, as quoted by Metro: “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.”
The Blues have now suffered two defeats in the early stages of this season: a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium and Friday night’s 3-0 loss to Brentford.