🚨CHELSEA INTEL: Why Xabi Alonso has been playing Pedro Neto ahead of Estêvão Willian on the right wing. From what I’ve been told by my source, Xabi Alonso’s preference for Pedro Neto over Estêvão Willian comes down largely to the defensive responsibilities of his system. Under Alonso, the wide players are not simply wingers whose only job is to attack. In his 3-4-3 formation, the wing-backs are expected to contribute in attack while tracking back, protecting the flanks and supporting the three centre-backs. Pedro Neto offers more defensive discipline in this role, and that appears to be giving him an advantage over Estêvão. Alonso wants his attacking players to be in positions where they can receive the ball, create chances and hurt the opposition. However, his wide players must also recover possession, track opposition runners and help maintain the team’s defensive structure whenever Chelsea lose the ball. This is not necessarily about Pedro Neto being more dangerous than Estêvão Willian in attack or being the more talented player. It is about what Alonso demands from his wide players. My source tells me that Estêvão Willian needs to add more defensive responsibility to his game if he wants to move ahead of Pedro Neto in Alonso’s starting XI. His attacking ability is not in question, but at Chelsea, talent alone might not be enough to earn that starting position. When Cole Palmer is available, the competition for attacking positions becomes even more interesting. Estêvão has the ability to change games, but if he wants to become a regular starter under Alonso, he must prove that he can deliver offensively without neglecting his defensive duties. Alonso isn’t just looking for attacking quality. He wants players who can execute their entire role within his system.