Estevao Willian has not featured under Xabi Alonso as much as he would have liked so far this season and that has led to speculation over his future at Chelsea
Estevao Willian
Estevao Willian is yet to start in the Premier League this season(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA)
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Former Chelsea defender Robert Huth has told Xabi Alonso to not 'pigeonhole' Estevao Willian and allow the Brazilian 'a bit more freedom' amid speculation over his future at Stamford Bridge.
The 19-year-old wide man endeared himself to Blues supporters in his debut campaign last time around with moments of individual brilliance but a serious hamstring injury, which ruled him out of Brazil's World Cup campaign, had a big toll on the second part of his season.
Estevao did get himself fit in time for Chelsea's pre-season and has worked with Alonso for almost two-and-a-half months at the time of writing. However, the Brazil international has struggled to break into the manager's first-team in the early exchanges of the campaign.
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Four matches into the Premier League season and Estevao is yet to start a game. The teenage talent has accumulated just 20 minutes (not including stoppage time) over three appearances in the English top-flight.
Predominantly a right winger, Estevao's minutes have been limited due to the form of Cole Palmer, who appears to be Alonso's go-to on that side. Morgan Rogers occupies another of the three forward spots, with the England international on the left wing, and Joao Pedro has been the first-choice option as a central striker.
Estevao could also be used as a wing-back when Alonso runs a 3-4-3 but we have not seen too much of that at the time of writing.
The lack of first-team minutes for Estevao has led to speculation over his Stamford Bridge future. Reports from the winger's homeland recently claimed he was unhappy with his playing time and could look to leave in January if it continues.
Alonso, however, dismissed the rumours and said Estevao is a big part of his plans this season. He said: "Este is ready, he's training well. The other day he had a very good impact, he has a great chance. So he's fully involved and with a very good attitude every day.
Xabi Alonso sits with Estevao Willian
Xabi Alonso has dismissed reports that Estevao Willian is unhappy with his current role in the Chelsea squad(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
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"With Este, 100% because of his potential, because he's so young but he's in that process to adapt and to learn quick. And the season is going to be long."
He added: "The season is going to be long. And the players that they have the desire and the hunger to prove and to show every day that they are up for the challenge, it's what we want to create here in the building. And Este is part of it.
"So he has had a very good attitude, very good mentality to prepare every game and to be ready for the team."
Huth agrees that Estevao is set for a bigger role as the season develops and has also warned people not to 'pigeonhole' the Chelsea attacker, who can be used in a variety of roles in the final third.
Speaking to Goal, Huth said: "I don't like to pigeonhole players too much, to be fair.
"Can Rogers play through the middle? Yes. Could he play out wide? Yes. I mean, these guys are skilful players with pace, left foot, right foot, athleticism, they've got the ability to run past any defender, pretty much on any position on the pitch.
Morgan Rogers celebrates
Morgan Rogers celebrates putting Chelsea ahead against Hull City(Image: Chris Lee - Chelsea FC)
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"To sort of pigeonhole him, which we have done in the past, where he can only play in this position, he can only play in this position. Of course, there's going to be an area where players are most comfortable, but these are attacking players.
"The picture doesn't really change. They're still trying to do the same thing, drop a shoulder, get a shot away, do a stepover, go past your full-back. It's not really something I'm too concerned about.
"You can stick Estevao as No.9 and it wouldn't be a nightmare. Maybe not with his back to goal, maybe not. But he's still got the touch, he's got the pace, he's got the energy. You could stick him in any kind of attacking third position.
"You can't defend him when he gets the ball. And it's the same with Rogers, the same with Joao Pedro and obviously Palmer too. These guys are hugely talented. So I'd like to give them a bit more freedom, which is something in the past that's been very structured.
"So at the moment, hopefully they'll be able to be a bit more free and maybe not play off the cuff. Maybe it might be the wrong word, but you have to trust the players as well, what they can do. And they're no doubt unbelievably talented and hopefully they can show them a bit more freedom."
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