Carabao Cup: ‘Great business’ – Hasselbaink hails Alonso over new signing

Former Chelsea forward Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has praised manager Xabi Alonso for signing former England striker Danny Welbeck.

Hasselbaink’s comments came after Chelsea produced a strong comeback to defeat Leeds United 6-3 in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

Chelsea initially looked set to exit the competition after falling 2-0 behind at home. However, Cole Palmer scored twice in three minutes to level the game before Pedro Neto put the Blues ahead.

Welbeck then scored Chelsea’s fourth goal before Dominic Calvert-Lewin pulled one back for Leeds. Valentin Barco restored Chelsea’s two-goal advantage, while Welbeck completed his brace in stoppage time.

Welbeck had also scored in Chelsea’s previous Carabao Cup victory over Luton Town, and Hasselbaink believes the striker can prove to be an excellent addition despite likely serving as backup to Joao Pedro.

“He’s going to add a lot, come on! He has experience with Arsenal and Manchester United, and he performed well for Brighton. He understands that he won’t be the first choice at Chelsea, and he is willing to accept that,” Hasselbaink said on Sky Sports.

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“However, he can contribute immensely to the other players both on and off the pitch. He will engage with his teammates and provide support in that manner, but he also has the desire to score and will want to be involved in the action. It’s a fantastic signing for the club.”