Alonso gives Watson, 16, debut in Carabao Cup vs Leeds

Xabi Alonso has made nine changes to his Chelsea starting XI for the Carabao Cup third-round tie against Leeds, handing a first-team debut to 16-year-old Reggie Watson in central midfield.

The fixture falls between Premier League games against Arsenal and Hull, and Alonso cited his confidence in the squad's depth as the reason for the wholesale reshuffling across all four lines.

"We have an intense first week of the calendar, few games, and all of them they are ready," Alonso said. "We need them to feel that they are an important part of the team and that anyone can play, and they have to be ready."

Watson, who impressed during pre-season, becomes the fourth-youngest player in Chelsea's history to feature for the club. Alonso pointed to the teenager's character as the key factor in his selection.

"He's one of those players that all the coaches like: responsible, very reliable, focused on the game," Alonso said. "You see that he has a football background from family, so it's a great day for him."

Alonso told Watson he had earned the opportunity on merit. "My advice to him is that he deserves to be there because of what he has shown, because of his football, because of his mentality during pre-season when he did really well."

The Chelsea manager also framed the decision in terms of the club's broader Academy policy. "We want to encourage the Academy as well, that they see the players have a chance in the first team," he added.