Xabi Alonso has revealed he had talks with Estevao regarding his lack of playing time.
Chelsea
Full name: Chelsea Football Club Nickname: The Blues Founded: 10 March 1905 Ground: Stamford Bridge Owner: BlueCo Chairman: Todd Boehly Manager: Xabi Alonso League: Premier League Season 2025-26: 10th position Website: chelseafc.com Chelsea Football Club is one of the most… Read More about CHELSEA
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso revealed that he has spoken privately with Estevao Willian about his limited game time, as per latest news. The 19-year-old has made a slow start to the season and he is concerned about his role under the new manager.
Estevao facing battle for regular minutes
Estevao has played only 16 minutes across Chelsea’s first three Premier League fixtures. He came off the bench in two of those matches and nearly scored an equaliser in the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal.
As reported by Daily Mail, Estevao held private talks with Alonso amid concerns regarding his limited playing time. The Brazilian prefers to play in a central role, but that position is currently occupied by Cole Palmer. Morgan Rogers has also featured behind Joao Pedro, making it difficult for Estevao to earn a regular place in the front three.
Alonso has mainly used a 3-4-2-1 system since taking charge. This has created another problem for Estevao, who could be asked to play as a right wing-back. Pedro Neto was used in that position, but the role comes with more defensive and physical demands.
As reported by BBC Sport, Estevao came on for Neto during Chelsea’s defeat to Arsenal as the Blues looked for an equaliser. However, it is difficult to see him regularly playing as a wing-back because of the demands of the position.
Xabi Alonso insists Estevao is ready
Alonso has played down concerns over Estevao’s situation and insists the teenager is working well in training. When asked whether Estevao had expressed unhappiness, Alonso said “Private conversations should remain private.” He also stressed that the season is still long and that players must show that they are ready every day to compete.
Alonso later said Estevao is training well and has a good attitude. The manager explained that the youngster is still adapting to life at Chelsea and must learn quickly. The Carabao Cup could give Estevao a chance to earn more minutes. Chelsea face Leeds United at Stamford Bridge, and Alonso has hinted that players must prove they deserve opportunities. A strong performance could help Estevao put pressure on players ahead of him in the pecking order.
However, Palmer remains a major obstacle. Alonso sees the England international as one of his main attacking players and values his leadership inside the dressing room. Estevao and Palmer have shown promising signs when playing together in a back-four system. However, Alonso has used that formation only once, against Luton Town in the Carabao Cup.
ChelseaChelsea
Estevao’s Chelsea stats for the 2025/26 season, as per FOTMOB:
Competition Appearances Goals Assists Chances Created
Premier League 22 2 2 16
FA Cup 3 2 1 5
EFL Cup 4 1 0 3
Champions League 7 3 0 9
Club World Cup 5 1 0 8
Chelsea face squad selection challenge
Estevao is not the only Chelsea player struggling for regular minutes. The club have a large squad, while Alonso has continued to use strong line-ups even in the Carabao Cup. Chelsea are not playing European football this season, meaning there are fewer games available for squad players. If they lose to Leeds, they would have no other cup competition until the FA Cup begins in January.
That makes the Carabao Cup game important for players hoping to earn more chances. Chelsea are also dealing with injury problems. Marco Palestra and Moises Caicedo are recovering and will not face Leeds. Emmanuel Emegha and Jordan Henderson are sidelined, while Levi Colwill is fit again after missing the Arsenal game due to injury.
Palestra impressed during pre-season before suffering his injury. Alonso praised his energy and potential, saying the young defender can add qualities the team needs once he returns.
For Estevao, though, the focus will be on earning a bigger role. His lack of football time has raised questions, but Alonso appears keen to give him time to adapt. If he makes the most of his chances, the teenager could still become an important part of Alonso’s plans this season.
Read More: Sander Berge: Chelsea made late move for Fulham star