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Manager does not want to place too much emphasis on his front three despite their strong display against Fulham.

Xabi Alonso has explained why he will not shape his Chelsea side around his front three.

Alonso selected an attacking trio of Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and £117 million summer signing Morgan Rogers in his first starting XI as Chelsea manager.

All three got on the scoresheet at Craven Cottage as the Blues opened their Premier League season with a 3-2 victory over west London rivals Fulham.

Palmer and Joao Pedro each set up the other for their goals, and there were clear signs that an understanding is developing between the attackers.

But Alonso says he is not ready 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 by Moises Caicedo in midweek meant Romeo Lavia partnered Reece James in midfield in Caicedo’s absence.

Enzo Fernandez came on from the bench, but Alonso was asked why Lavia started instead of Fernandez.

“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.”