Xabi Alonso has explained why he will not build his Chelsea team around his front three.
Alonso named an attacking trio of Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and £117million summer signing Morgan Rogers in his first starting lineup in charge of Chelsea.
All three players found the net at Craven Cottage as the Blues began their Premier League campaign with a 3-2 win over west London rivals Fulham.
Palmer and Joao Pedro assisted each other for their goals and there was clear evidence of a chemistry forming between the attackers.
But Alonso says he is not prepared to build his Chelsea team around them.
“They are going to be a very important part of the team,” Alonso said. “To build around them, no. To build the team with them.
“They need to take responsibility, they need to lead the rest, they need to inspire the rest, because if they do great, the other ones will follow.
“We need to reach them in the best possible situations. We need to have good links to reach them, and they need to help the team to be solid. I'm happy for the three of them. They have played for the team and they have scored, so it's always important for the strikers.”
An injury suffered in midweek by Moises Caicedo meant Romeo Lavia partnered Reece James in midfield in Caicedo’s absence.
Enzo Fernandez appeared off the bench, but Alonso was asked why it was Lavia and not Fernandez who started.
“We have different options, players that during the pre-season came in different stages, so all the players will play an important role,” Alonso said.
“This is about the team, this is about the squad. It's not just that you have 14 players; we need 20 long to compete in this season.”
