Estevao Willian has every reason to be annoyed with Liam Rosenior after Chelsea’s 1-0 win against Pafos.
Estevao was not named in the starting eleven for the Champions League game, despite not playing at all last weekend.
The 18-year-old then came on at halftime and made an immediate difference, taking on defenders as he always does.
It now seems likely that he will start against Crystal Palace on Sunday, but he should be frustrated either way.
What have you made of Liam Rosenior’s tactics so far?
Jamie Carragher quote on Liam Rosenior's tactics
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images/James Gill – Danehouse
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Liam Rosenior fails to keep Chelsea’s Estevao Willian promise
Even though Estevao has almost always played as a right-winger in his short career, he is determined to become an attacking midfielder.
Chelsea even promised that Estevao would receive minutes in the number 10 position during their negotiations with his agent.
The Brazilian wonderkid has rarely played there in his first seven months at Stamford Bridge, but that is understandable considering his competition.
Estevao of Chelsea on the ball whilst under pressure from Georgios Michael of Pafos FC
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez are all ahead of Estevao in the pecking order, and he has performed well on the right.
However, when Reece James was substituted off at halftime against Pafos, Estevao had a golden opportunity to play in his preferred position.
Yet, Rosenior made the bizarre decision to play Pedro Neto behind the striker instead, to every Chelsea supporter’s surprise.
It was no surprise that Neto proceeded to struggle in the 10, as he is far more comfortable out wide, which must have annoyed Estevao.
Pedro Neto really needs to mix up his game 🤦♂️
What did you make of his performance against Pafos?
Pedro Neto's number of crosses vs Pafos
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
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Liam Rosenior must learn from Pedro Neto mistake
Estevao is still only 18 years old, so he has plenty of time to develop into an attacking midfielder later in his career.
For now, he should be focused on becoming Chelsea’s first-choice right winger ahead of Neto.
However, Chelsea should still make an effort to fulfil their promise of minutes at the number 10 position, where possible.
After all, every club in the world would be interested in signing Estevao if it became apparent that he was unhappy in West London.
So, if Rosenior is faced with the same ultimatum between Neto and Estevao again, he would be very wise to make a different decision.
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