Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
Winstanley and Stewart for Chelsea
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Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images
Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images
Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images
Split image - Alex Scott of AFC Bournemouth and Elliot Anderson of Manchester City
Split image - Alex Scott of AFC Bournemouth and Elliot Anderson of Manchester City
Photo by Alexander Canillas/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Alexander Canillas/MB Media/Getty Images
Joao Pedro claims Estevao is better than he was at just 18
While Pedro is thriving, his fellow countryman Estevao isn’t. The young winger, despite his stunning form for Chelsea last season, is yet to convince Xabi Alonso. So far, he hasn’t started a Premier League game.
The youngster has come off the bench in five of Chelsea’s six league games, but all have arrived in the last 10 minutes. Alonso’s 3-4-2-1 system does not have space for natural wingers, but wing-backs instead.
Jason Cundy discussing Estevao Willian and Bukayo Saka
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Yet, Estevao remains crucial to Chelsea. He is considered one of seven untouchables aside from summer signings, and Clearlake could even give him a new deal. On Chelsea’s App, Pedro said this about him.
“He really surprised me [when he first arrived at Chelsea] because there’s not much of an age difference. Compared to when I came to England and him arriving, I believe he’s further ahead than I was, mentally.”
How can Alonso get Estevao into his Chelsea team?
Not only is there an issue regarding Alonso’s formation, which is working given Chelsea’s 5-1 win over Bournemouth, but it is the form of Palmer and Rogers in attacking midfield – Estevao’s other position.
While he is naturally a winger, Estevao can also play in the attacking midfield positions. But the form of Rogers and Palmer makes them undroppable. Ultimately, Estevao is going to have to be rather patient.
Without European football, there are limited opportunities. He may get more game time when Chelsea face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup next week, having started both cup games against Leeds and Luton.
Estevao is unwilling to change his physique to become a wing-back like Pedro Neto, and Barcelona are among the sides keeping tabs. Hopefully, it is a situation that resolves itself; Chelsea cannot lose him.