Joe Cole believes Xabi Alonso is "furious" with Chelsea's management for failing to bring in a midfielder during the summer transfer window.

Joe Cole believes Xabi Alonso's decision to introduce 16-year-old Mahdi Nicole-Jazouli during Chelsea's away loss to Brentford was a "message" of frustration directed at management.

On Friday night at Gtech Community Stadium, Chelsea conceded three goals in the second half. They have now conceded at least two goals in every Premier League match this season.

Moises Caicedo, who has not featured as a starter this season due to a muscle injury, was again absent in the match against The Bees. Henderson was also unavailable, though he is often deployed in midfield under Alonso.

With both players sidelined, Alonso fielded 36-year-old Henderson in midfield alongside summer signing Valentin Barco. Despite Lavia being on the bench, Chelsea brought on academy prospect Nicole-Jazouli in a last-ditch attempt to claw back a two-goal deficit. Fabio Carvalho eventually scored in added time.

Last season, midfield was arguably Chelsea's strongest area, but after selling Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernández to Manchester United and Manchester City respectively, they look far weaker.

Chelsea sold Fernández to Manchester City on transfer deadline day and had agreed a deal with Monaco to bring in Lamine Camara as a replacement, but that move fell through in the eleventh hour.

Former Premier League striker Glenn Murray believes Nicole-Jazouli's appearance is a "huge signal" to Chelsea's decision-makers, and he is convinced that midfield has always been a "blind spot" for the club.

Nicole-Jazouli came on as a substitute in the closing moments of the match (Photo: Getty)

Murray said on 'Premier League Production': "I think when Xabi Alonso brings on 16-year-old Mahdi Nicole-Jazouli when you're 2-0 down, that's a message to management: you don't have enough midfielders with Caicedo and Fernández gone in the transfer window."

"It's a huge blind spot for them—they've played fullbacks in midfield several times. Today they had two recognised midfielders, but bringing on a 16-year-old, the message is crystal clear."

Alonso has now used three different midfield combinations in five league games this season, with right-back Gusto also deployed in the middle.

Chelsea legend Cole agrees that Alonso's intent behind the decision was "crystal clear," and he believes Alonso's demeanor as he left the pitch after the match said it all.

"Glenn is absolutely right. Xabi Alonso sent a message to management: we don't have enough players, and I'm putting a 16-year-old in midfield, away from home against a rival, trying to get back into the game."

"For me, it's crystal clear. And the way he left the pitch at the end, I think he's very angry about it."

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