Speaking in his pre-match press conference at Cobham on Friday, ahead of our Premier League trip to Sunderland, Alonso was asked whether it was challenging to manage his squad when every player is eager to play as big a role in the team as possible.

The Spaniard’s side has seemed settled at times so far this season, but there are always tweaks to be made depending on our game plan and next opponent. Our manager was also quick to point out that the changing nature of form and fitness means any player’s next chance to stake a claim could be right around the corner at any time.

‘There are moments when a player feels that he's far from the pitch, but actually he's not that far,’ explained Alonso. ‘It's about having the opportunity. Everyone will have their moment.

‘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 the Blues manager pointed to 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.

In the case of Estevao, Alonso felt it was an important moment for the young winger to come into the team and perform well, twice being unlucky to be denied a goal by narrow VAR calls against the Red Devils.

‘It was very good for him, for the team, that he had such an impact,’ our manager continued.

‘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.’

Xabi also highlighted the growing maturity shown by Fofana, which he in part attributes to the 25-year-old becoming a father.

Our French defender recovered from some first-half errors against Man Utd to play a key role in the brilliant second-half performance that secured all three points, earning praise for his mentality and resilience.

‘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.

‘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.’