Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
While Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea attack have been grabbing the headlines since he has taken over as manager, however this has not been as a result of Estevao Willian.
The Spaniard has elected to start Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro in every Premier League game so far this season, leaving limited opportunities for Estevao to feature.
Even against Hull City where the Blues moved away from the three-at-the-back system, it was Pedro Neto who joined the rest of the front three in attack.
Chelsea fans, how do you feel about Enzo Fernandez’s exit after his bright display in the Manchester derby?
Enzo Fernandez for Man City
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
We already knew he was a very good player so hardly surprising to see him do well. He’s not worth £125m though so we still won the deal
Estevao’s camp concerned about his Chelsea future
So far, the Brazil international has only had the chance to start in the League Cup, and his future opportunities in the side look difficult to find.
South American football expert Tim Vickery that there is concern from Estevao’s camp after his staggered start to the season, as well as a failure to deliver on promises made to him when he signed.
He told Sports Mole: “Let’s remember that we heard from his agents that the reason that he chose Chelsea was that Chelsea were more open to him playing as a number 10 and not playing from the right wing. Now, that’s a strange promise or half promise that the club made because it’s not being made by the man who’s going to be picking the team.
“His path now to that number 10 shirt or to operate there has been further complicated not only obviously by Cole Palmer, but also by the acquisition of Morgan Rogers. So inevitably Estevao starts this season under a cloud of uncertainty. Where is he going to play?
“Now, he came on in the recent game against Arsenal, last few minutes, played wide right, and did extremely well. Not so well the next game in in the cup against Leeds when he’s taken off at half time. But, it’s almost like every game now is a referendum for him, you know, to justify his selection.
“And that that’s a concern because I think the first season was so promising and so successful, and he’s such a favourite with the Chelsea fans. And we know that in a career the concept of momentum is absolutely vital. You lose momentum in a career, and it can be difficult to win it back. So, I think there is genuine concern there in the in the camp there of Estevao.”
Chelsea FC v Hull City - Premier League 2026/27
Photo by Alexander Canillas/MB Media/Getty Images
Chelsea sources originally saw Estevao as part of their dream frontline even when Rogers was signed by the club, however so far the quadruple are yet to start together for the Blues.
So far, there has been no personal backlash from Estevao himself, however limited opportunities are surely going to see frustration grow amongst one of the most talented young players in world football.
The Brazilian is not amongst those nominated for the Kopa Trophy at this year’s Ballon d’Or awards, and while his injuries will have played a part he won’t want a lack of minutes to be a new reason why he isn’t recognised amongst the greats in the future.