Xabi Alonso has ruled out a January move for Estêvão Willian but has said the Chelsea youngster must adapt to his style of play before earning a regular spot in the team. The debate around Estêvão’s role gathered momentum this week, with the noise growing after the 19-year-old watched as an unused substitute as Alonso’s side lost to Liverpool on penalties in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday. The Brazilian became an instant hit with Chelsea fans after joining from Palmeiras last year and there are fears that the winger could look to leave after starting twice in 11 games in all competitions this season.
Yet while Estêvão is having a tougher time during his second year in English football, Alonso insisted that the Brazil international is part of his plans and will not be loaned out to get more games in January. When any of them haven’t had enough minutes because of my decision, I have to take the responsibility for that. But everyone has to be ready because in any game they could be important.
Este, his training and his attitude has been good.” There was a lot of hype around Estêvão after his £51.4m move. He impressed last season, particularly when he scored a brilliant solo goal against Barcelona, only for a hamstring injury to dash his hopes of going to the World Cup. The teenager has struggled since returning from injury.
Estêvão has played a total of 47 minutes in the Premier League this season. He earned an international recall from Carlo Ancelotti on Thursday but is yet to convince Alonso, who explained the process for Estêvão from a tactical perspective before Chelsea host Manchester United on Saturday. I am part of the process to help him.
For sure I understand the moment, I understand his feeling. It’s still early days.” Alonso did not use all of his substitutions against Liverpool. He suggested physicality was a reason for Estêvão’s omission after the game.
On Friday, Alonso said that improving without the ball is not the only issue. That’s sometimes when to take the right decision, what to do in the next situation. It’s to keep the ball, it’s to find the right pass.
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