Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Xabi Alonso might be frustrated with the last couple of results, but the Chelsea manager is not the only frustrated man on the books at Stamford Bridge. Estevao got three minutes at Brentford.
It’s been the story of Estevao’s season so far. The talented winger has started only two matches, both in the Carabao Cup and against Leeds. Estevao was hooked at half-time with Chelsea losing at the break.
Excluding injury time, just 23 minutes of Premier League football has been afforded to Estevao, who has now jetted off to represent Brazil during the international break. He’s been talking in a press conference.
READ MORE:Simon Phillips reveals something different has caused Cole Palmer to withdraw
Estevao’s frustration was clear when asked about game time
For most, Estevao’s lack of game time is mind-boggling. Daniel Sturridge recently sang Estevao’s praises, but the situation is this. Xabi Alonso has a specific system, and at the moment, it doesn’t include wingers.
Reports say Estevao is concerned about his game time at Chelsea, unwilling to build the physicality to play as a wing-back. He realises he is not going to start over both Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers.
Estevao Willian's minutes
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Asked about his game time, Estevao’s frustration was evident. He immediately pointed to Alonso’s style when discussing his Premier League exposure, clearly indicating that he feels the system doesn’t suit.
And not that it is his fault he is not starting: “I think every coach has their own way of playing. Of course, we work every day, I give my best every day, and that’s what I do. We have quality players at Chelsea.
“So what I do is focus on what I can control. I try to give my best in training; when I get an opportunity, I try to give my best. It goes day after day. I try to seize every opportunity; I try to control everything.”
Estevao’s situation is already attracting unwanted attention
The former Palmeiras star is a wonderkid. One of the best teenage talents on the planet, and the fact Chelsea signed him for £30m has to be considered one of the best deals that BlueCo ever signed on.
But the issue is that while he isn’t playing, other clubs will want a bite at the apple. Liverpool have been loosely linked with Estevao, while Barcelona have reportedly made Estevao a priority ahead of January.
Chelsea have informed Barcelona that Estevao will cost £111m, though it is also reported that Estevao is one of Chelsea’s seven untouchables, aside from the summer signings. He has a contract until June 2033.