Alonso: Every Chelsea player will get their moment

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso says every member of his squad will make an impact this season, stressing that the next opportunity for any player is never far away.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference at Cobham on Friday, ahead of the Premier League trip to Sunderland, Alonso was asked whether it was challenging to manage a squad where every player wants a big role. The Spaniard said the side has at times looked settled this season, but tweaks are always needed depending on the game plan and next opponent.

Alonso pointed out that the changing nature of form and fitness means any player could earn a chance at any time. "There are moments when a player feels that he's far from the pitch, but actually he's not that far," he explained. "It's about having the opportunity. Everyone will have their moment."

He added: "We have seen it and we will see it happening again, because of the situations that we are having dealing with injuries in certain positions, some positions more than others. In the end, in the long run, you will see that everyone will play their role."

Two examples Alonso cited are Estevao Willian and Wesley Fofana, who both started last week's 2-0 win over Manchester United in the absence of Joao Pedro and Maxence Lacroix, who remain unavailable for the trip to the Stadium of Light.

Alonso said it was an important moment for Estevao, who was twice unlucky to be denied a goal by narrow VAR calls against United. "It was very good for him, for the team, that he had such an impact," Alonso said. "We had taken the decision and he knew that was going to be the game, and it was very important for him, that game, and for the team as well."

Alonso also highlighted the growing maturity of Fofana, which he partly attributes to the 25-year-old becoming a father. The French defender recovered from first-half errors against Man Utd to play a key role in the second-half performance that secured all three points.

"It's about dealing with difficult moments and he did many good things," Alonso added. "For sure, the mistakes, he knew and he reacted really well. The second half he was solid, he was reliable, as he was in Liverpool."

On Fofana's development, Alonso said: "He's already been in the Premier League for years. He's been at this club for four years. It's part of the job to deal with some things that are not what you want, to deal with mistakes, to deal with difficult situations."

"I'm seeing now Wes is very focused this year. He's mature - he's had his baby, so it's making him more mature - as well as taking more responsibility on the pitch. Sometimes he's not direct, but sometimes that helps as well. So we support him and he's important."