Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Xabi Alonso’s 3-4-2-1 system is not set in stone, just yet. The Chelsea manager has used the formation in all three of Chelsea’s Premier League games, but did use a 4-2-3-1 against Luton Town.
The three-man defence line-up, with two attacking midfielders behind a lone striker, was the genius that guided Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title under Alonso. Of course, Leverkusen went unbeaten.
Xabi Alonso manager / head coach of Chelsea applauds
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It means wingers are not included in his starting line-up, unless they can adapt. Malo Gusto has since been playing in midfield, and Jorrel Hato has gone from centre-back to left wing-back under Alonso.
Pedro Neto has even been operating as a wing-back, and his work rate against Arsenal was excellent – the rocket he received from Reece James at Fulham has worked. But where does it leave wonderkid Estevao?
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There is no doubt that Chelsea will want to keep Estevao
In a recent survey, Brazil star Estevao was rated as the second-best teenager in world football. It was a real shame that he was not at the World Cup, with Davide Ancelotti excited by the Chelsea youngster.
Estevao Willian's minutes
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Aside from new signings, Chelsea have declared they have seven untouchables in the summer. Along with Reece James, Levi Colwill, Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer, Josh Acheampong, and Moises Caicedo, is Estevao.
Estevao will have to leave Chelsea or wait for Alonso to go
But if Estevao is to get the game time he desires, one of two things will have to happen. There is no way that Alonso changes his entire system to simply incorporate Estevao, despite his cameo against Arsenal.
Reports say Estevao is concerned he may be told to play right wing-back. If he is unwilling to become a versatile option, he will have to go to find regular game time. Or he waits for Alonso to get the sack.
Estevao Willian of Chelsea in action
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Realistically, Alonso is Chelsea’s long-term manager. Losing Estevao will be a blow, but if it came to a decision between the two over the course of the next 12 months or beyond, Estevao would lose.
Don Hutchison has urged Liverpool to sign Estevao
Towards the end of the window, there were suggestions that Liverpool were keen on luring the former Palmeiras star to Anfield. However, unsurprisingly, nothing materialised, and Estevao stayed put.
But as Estevao continues to be shunted out of the starting line-up, and he refuses to attempt a role at wing-back, Alonso may have to consider a sale. Don Hutchison believes Liverpool should sign him.
Estevao of Chelsea controls the ball
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
On Monday, he posted on his X account, urging Liverpool or any other clubs to sign Estevao: “Liverpool or anyone looking for the ideal right winger. (Could still be Chelsea) Estevao at Chelsea is the man.
“Far better than Neto in my opinion. This kid could be one of the best in the world with trust/confidence and playing every week. M Olise is proving that at Bayern,” former midfielder Hutchison continued.
Either he leaves Chelsea, he attempts to change his game and either play at wing-back or provide cover for Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers in the 10 role, or he bides his time and waits for Alonso to depart.