Xabi Alonso has revealed when he told Estevao he was going to start for Chelsea against Manchester United, after the Brazilian teenager made his first Premier League start of the season in the 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.
Estevao's lack of game time has become a talking point not only at Chelsea but also in Brazil, and Alonso had received criticism for not calling on him when Chelsea fell to a Carabao Cup penalty shootout defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday.
Alonso reveals decision timing
Asked whether he had already decided earlier in the week that Estevao would start against United, Alonso said: "You ask me, but sometimes I can't give you all the info.
"We spoke after [the] Tottenham [game] and he knew that he was going to be playing tonight, today.
"He has had the best response to show that he deserves more, that he was prepared and that's what you want from a football player, so I'm very happy for him. He deserved to enjoy his game, he had a good connection with the crowd.
"He was really close to scoring that goal. At the end he fought really hard, he was tired and it has been a good day for him."
Why United was the right moment
Alonso was then asked to explain what about United's style of play made him confident it was the right moment to call on Estevao.
"Different situations," he said. "From what we were going to do against Liverpool, what we were going to do against... I had an idea and I was clear that he could have a good impact today and he has shown it.
"I think that he's been a threat, he has created many chances, many situations where he could score and he has shown it well."
Estevao saw two goals ruled out for slight offsides against Manchester United. Chelsea do not play again until next Sunday away at Sunderland, where Estevao will hope to retain his place.
