Robert Sanchez has some advice for Estevao Willian following his summer move to Chelsea.
Estevao made a huge impact during Chelsea‘s short pre-season, scoring in one of their friendlies against Bayer Leverkusen.
However, the winger was named on the bench for his side’s Premier League opener against Crystal Palace last weekend.
Sanchez has now told him what he needs to do to become a starter. At one point, Sanchez himself was at risk of being a bench player as Chelsea chased Mike Maignan, but the goalkeeper has managed to keep his spot in the team.
Robert Sanchez of Chelsea holding the ball
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Robert Sanchez urges Estevao Willian to work hard
For Sanchez, things do not have to be difficult for Estevao. If the 18-year-old works hard and does not solely rely on his talent, then he will break into the Chelsea team.
In an interview with ESPN Deportes, Sanchez said: “Aaron Anselmino and Estevao are young players with a lot of potential; they have to work hard to get into the team and help win a trophy.”
Estevao will be hoping to make his first competitive start for Chelsea on Friday when they face West Ham United after being left on the bench for the Palace draw.
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Jamie Gittens did not have his best game, so it would not be a surprise to see Enzo Maresca drop him at the London Stadium.
That could see Pedro Neto start on the left with Estevao coming in to replace the Portuguese on the right.
Estevao Willian during his Premier League debut for Chelsea against Crystal Palace.
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Robert Sanchez makes title claim
Last season, Chelsea were able to win the Club World Cup and Conference League, but they came nowhere close to claiming the Premier League title.
Maresca’s men finished the campaign 15 points behind champions Liverpool, which is quite a big gap.
Even so, Sanchez still thinks the Blues can compete for the title this term. In the same interview with ESPN Deportes, the Spaniard said: “We’re confident we can compete for the Premier League; that’s our objective.”
While he has his critics, Alan Brazil thinks Chelsea can challenge with Sanchez in the team. If Chelsea are to mount a title charge, though, their performances will need to be better than the one they put in against Palace last Sunday.