The Chelsea player that makes Thiago Silva ‘really happy’, but Xabi Alonso is not yet convinced
There is plenty to like about this Chelsea side. In just six Premier League games, the Blues have scored 15 goals. In all competitions, 24 goals. But Xabi Alonso is not yet using one of his biggest weapons.
Joao Pedro has eight goals and assists, as does Morgan Rogers. Indeed, Rogers could make Chelsea history on Saturday by becoming the quickest player to reach 10 goals and assists, in just nine matches.
Cole Palmer is fit again, Moises Caicedo is back, and the goalkeeping situation has been sorted out with the addition of Emi Martinez. Chelsea fans were reminded of Robert Sanchez’s blunders on Wednesday.
But for Estevao, things are not going to plan. The teenage winger is struggling to get regular game time, yet to start a Premier League game under Alonso – with his two starts coming against Luton and Leeds.
Thiago Silva loves watching Estevao play for Chelsea
It is a stark contrast to the start he made at Chelsea, ever since scoring against the Blues at the Club World Cup with Palmeiras. The goals against Liverpool and Barcelona feel like a bit of a distant memory.
Alonso might not really understand the talent he has on his hands. Carlo Ancelotti has a different stance to Alonso on the Brazilian, who was an 84th-minute substitute during Saturday’s 5-1 win v Bournemouth.
How can Xabi Alonso get Estevao Willian into the side? 🤔
The Brazilian has seen very little action under his new manager…
Chelsea posted a short documentary on Estevao on the club’s app this week, and it included comments from Thiago Silva. The Chelsea legend explained how watching his fellow countryman makes him happy.
“I believe this relationship among the Brazilians there helps a lot in this adaptation. Especially for an 18-year-old boy. He has his family, yes, but his family is not at the training ground every day,” Silva said.
“I always follow Chelsea. To be honest, it makes me really happy when I see the fans sing his name as he arrives at the stadium, when he’s warming up; the fans love the kid,” Silva said of the Brazil international.
Chelsea’s 5-1 win over Bournemouth is bad news for Estevao
Saturday’s win over Bournemouth was excellent. But it was also proof to Alonso and his coaching staff that Chelsea are finally adapting to Alonso’s way of playing, and that the 3-4-2-1 system will work.
While this formation is deployed by Alonso, Estevao has little way in. Reports say Estevao is unwilling to add more physicality to his game, which would allow him to compete for a place at right wing-back.
Able to play as a no.10, Estevao is only going to get a chance in those roles if Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers pick up an injury. Barcelona are monitoring the situation with a £111m price tag on his head.
The one positive for Chelsea and, indeed, Estevao himself, is that he remains incredibly young and there is no rush to make a decision. He might face a season warming the bench, but Estevao deserves game time.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
