Xabi Alonso could be forced to change the Chelsea formation soon, with Estevao Willian keen to return to his 'original position' in a 'few years'.
Estevao Willian and Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso
Estevao Willian chats with Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
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Estevao Willian has told Xabi Alonso where he's most effective for Chelsea. The Blues winger has so far struggled to force himself into Xabi Alonso's starting lineup, with Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers occupying each of the support roles alongside Joao Pedro in the frontline.
Estevao, whom Chelsea agreed to sign from Palmeiras for £29m in May 2024, has featured six times across all competitions this season, but played no more than 150 minutes. The Brazil international has also only made two starts, with each of which coming in the Carabao Cup.
He caught the eye when the Blues stormed past Luton Town in the second round, but failed to impress when tasked with spearheading the attack against Leeds United in the third round. Estevao was subsequently hooked at half-time, and Chelsea overturned a two-goal deficit.
The Brazilian has previously been deployed as an attacking midfielder or a winger, but under Alonso, he's been required to play as an inside forward. By starting slightly more centrally, Estevao has had less space to operate, generally receiving the ball between the lines rather than closer to the touchline.
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As a winger, the teenager would regularly drive into danger, creating one-versus-one opportunities with a full-back. But, as an inside forward, Estevao would find himself outnumbered in small spaces and be required to drive out of danger, leaving little room to cut into.
Palmer and Rogers have managed to slice through the congested spaces in the middle of the park like a hot knife through butter, leaving the Brazilian little chance to acclimatise to the new role and its greater responsibilities.
If Alonso wanted to shoehorn Estevao into the starting lineup, he could deploy a 4-2-3-1, just as he did to accommodate many of the big names at Real Madrid. In doing so, the youngster could finally play his 'favourite position' and build some much-needed momentum.
Back in December 2024, Estevao first opened up about his preferred role. Speaking to ESPN Brazil, he said: "My favourite position is number 10, inside. But I’m comfortable in every position, also on the wing."
Then, in January 2025, Estevao outlined his plan to return to his 'original position' in a 'few years'. Speaking to FIFA, the Brazilian said: "I started playing as a winger towards the end of my academy days, to avoid as much physical contact and give me more one-versus-ones.
"That’s how I earned my spot in the Palmeiras side, where there’s a lot of competition for places in the middle of the park, but really, I’m more of a midfielder. That’s where I’m in my element. In a few years’ time, I’d like to get back to playing in my original position."
Despite question marks over his future at Chelsea, Estevao has insisted that he remains focused on Chelsea. Speaking to reporters in Brisbane, Australia, as quoted by ESPN, he said: "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 have, I try to control everything I can, and I leave it in God's hands, and I trust myself a lot, too."
Earlier this month, Alonso claimed that he's '100 per cent' relying on Estevao. The Spaniard told reporters: "I count on Este 100 per cent, because of his potential and the fact that he’s so young, he is in that process of adapting and learning quickly.
"The season is going to be long, and players that have the desire and hunger to prove and show every day they are up for the challenge is what we want – and what we want to create here in the building.
"Este is part of it. He has a very good attitude and mentality to prepare for every game and be ready for the team."