Estevao Willian has been linked with a move away from Chelsea in recent times
Estevao Willian has been linked with a move away from Chelsea(Image: Ian Hitchcock)
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Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has questioned Xabi Alonso's reluctance to start Estevao Willian for Chelsea so far this season.
The 19-year-old winger is yet to make a Premier League start for the Blues since the beginning of the campaign. The form of Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro has made the Chelsea attacking trio virtually undroppable.
Alonso has used a 3-4-3 for the majority of the season, which includes wing-backs operating on both flanks. However, the Chelsea manager is reluctant to use Estevao in one of those roles, and believes the Brazilian is more effective in one of the attacking three positions.
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Hasselbaink, formerly of Chelsea, has questioned why Estevao is not being used as well as Joao Pedro, Rogers and Palmer.
Speaking to MrQ, Hasselbaink said: "I'm a big lover of Estevao. I think he's a super talent. For him not being in the team, it's a pity. I would like him to be in the team because he creates, and he plays with guts.
"Don't get me wrong, we have got up front three really good players for Chelsea in Joao Pedro, Palmer and Rogers, but why can we have not have four? Can we get the fourth one in?
"I'd love to see Estevao on the pitch soon. I think he's exceptional.
"He must believe that he's good enough to start ahead of the main three. He has to think that he can because he needs to play. He needs to push them.
Estevao Willian
Estevao Willian has not started a Premier League game under Xabi Alonso(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
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"And that's only going to be the best thing for the team too, if he pushes them. I think he can do it. But he has to believe in himself."
Estevao has spent only 23 minutes (not including added time) on the pitch in the Premier League this season. That's out of a possible 450 and such a role in the squad has led to speculation over the Brazil international's future at Stamford Bridge.
Reports from Brazil last month claimed Estevao would consider his options if his limited playing time continued this season. This led to Alonso coming out and quashing the rumours, insisting the winger has a significant part to play for the remainder of the campaign.
Chelsea sources have said similar. As reported last week by football.london, club sources continue to insist Estevao is viewed as untouchable.
Estevao was one of several 'untouchables' in the Chelsea squad over the summer transfer window and the club's appreciation and fondness of the teenager has not diminished. Barcelona have recently been linked with a move for Estevao but Stamford Bridge insiders insist the Brazilian is not for sale.