What Xabi Alonso did with £29m Chelsea wonderkid in training
Xabi Alonso has been working intensely with Estevao Willian during Chelsea’s pre-season tour, with the manager personally defending against the Brazilian in one-on-one drills.
Estevao has been operating from his familiar position on the right during Chelsea’s first training sessions in Hong Kong.
The winger has already made an encouraging start under Alonso after scoring during Saturday’s 2-1 pre-season defeat against Tottenham.
ReadChelsea reported that Estevao found the net against Spurs after cutting inside from the right, continuing his strong return from injury.
🚨🔵 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: Xabi Alonso has been working intensely with Estevao Willian, who was in his usual right-hand-side space and looking to cross the ball to his teammates, and Alonso was defending one-on-one against him.
— @BobbyVincentFL pic.twitter.com/N1vsbNMkZg
— 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗭𝗼𝗻𝗲 (@TheChelsZoneX) August 3, 2026
Football.London reporter Bobby Vincent has revealed that Alonso worked directly with Estevao during Chelsea’s latest training session.
Estevao remained in his usual right-sided space and repeatedly looked to cross the ball towards teammates in the penalty area.
Alonso then took an unusually hands-on approach by stepping in as the defender and going one-on-one against the Brazilian himself.
It is only a training exercise, so too much should not be read into the positional detail.
However, it reinforces the impression that Alonso wants to work closely with one of Chelsea’s most exciting attacking talents.
Estevao has previously been comfortable cutting inside onto his stronger left foot, but crossing from wider positions would add another element to his game.
Competition on Chelsea’s right side is significant following the arrival of Geovany Quenda, while Pedro Neto can also operate there.
Alonso’s individual work with Estevao suggests the teenager is receiving plenty of attention as Chelsea prepare for Wednesday’s friendly against Juventus in Hong Kong.
For Estevao, the objective will now be translating those training-ground details into another productive performance.
dave.sport is in beta
We are building a new home for independent sports coverage. dave.sport is currently in beta, with new features and publisher tools rolling out as we test what fans need most.
Explore the beta
What Chelsea players did after £89m star was cleared to return
What Chelsea players did after £89m star was cleared to return
Man City chief arrives near Chelsea with three Blues stars on radar
Man City chief arrives near Chelsea with three Blues stars on radar