Liam Rosenior has hailed the return of Estevao Willian as a potential season-altering boost for Chelsea, admitting the side has deeply felt the absence of the Brazilian.
The return of Estevao Willian offers Chelsea a specific profile they have lacked during his recent absence.
Chelsea have struggled to break down deep blocks without a player capable of consistently winning one-on-one duels on the wing. Estevao’s ability to stay wide and draw defenders out of position is essential for creating the central space that Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro need to operate effectively.
His role in the final weeks of the season will be defined by his output in the final third, specifically his crossing and his willingness to drive into the box. Liam Rosenior has noted that the team missed this directness during their recent run of draws, but he needs to stay fit.
DAVID ORNSTEIN: Liam Rosenior will remain Chelsea coach next season, whether they make the Champions League or not 😬
Thoughts?
FBL-ENG-PR-FULHAM-CHELSEA
Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images
Liam Rosenior sees Estevao Willian as a key man for Chelsea
Despite his injury troubles, it appears as if Liam Rosenior plans on giving Estevao Willian as many minutes as he can, having seen the Blues’ struggles without him.
“The fans adore Estevao because he’s a magnificent player. We’ve missed him for two months and I think in the games we’ve had he would’ve made a huge difference for us in certain moments.
“It’s great that he looks really fresh and really fit for coming back and he’s going to play a huge part for us from now until the end of the season.”
Fill in the gaps – who makes your starting XI to face Manchester City?👀
Chelsea predicted XI vs Man City
GRV Media
Chelsea’s four-man attack that need to end the season
Chelsea’s most effective four-man attack for the final stretch should be built around Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer, Estevao Willian, and Pedro Neto.
Pedro is the undisputed focal point, with 14 goals proving his worth as a central striker. He is best supported by Palmer in the number ten role, where his chance creation can come into play.
Flanking them, Estevao Willian provides the one-on-one threat that stretches defences, while Pedro Neto’s ball-carrying power offers the directness Liam Rosenior’s system demands.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox