‘Has His Own Style’ - Estevao Makes Chelsea Admission On His Lack Of Game Time Under Xabi Alonso

It's been a difficult couple of weeks for Chelsea after three games without a Premier League win.

Estevao Willian is only focusing on what he “can control” amid struggles for minutes under Xabi Alonso at Chelsea.

The 19-year-old has played a total of 148 minutes of football for Chelsea this season, but only 23 of those were in the Premier League.

While he started in the two Carabao Cup wins over Luton Town and Leeds United, all of his Premier League appearances have been brief cameos late in the games.

From his perspective, this is obviously a step backward in his Chelsea career. In comparison, he made two Premier League starts in his first month at the club last season.

Arguably, the main reason behind Estevao’s limited involvement this season is Alonso’s preferred 3-4-2-1 system. In this formation, there are only two attacking spots behind the striker, which are mainly occupied by Cole Palmer and club-record signing Morgan Rogers.

Compared to last season, in which Chelsea mostly operated in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Estevao is seen as an alternative to Palmer as the right-sided number 10 in the 3-4-2-1 structure.

However, the young winger refused to criticise Alonso for his reduced minutes.

Estevao remains confident despite lack of opportunities at Chelsea

“Every manager has his own style of play, and of course we train every day and give our best every day,” Estevao told Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte in a recent interview on international duty.

“That’s what I do. We have a lot of top-class players at Chelsea. I focus on what I can control.

“When I’m given an opportunity, I try to give my best. I think I’ve made the most of every opportunity I’ve had.

“I try to control what I can and leave tomorrow in God’s hands. I have a lot of confidence in myself too.”

Earlier this month, reports in Brazil claimed that Estevao was worried about his situation at Chelsea under Alonso.

The Chelsea manager played down this rumour, insisting that Estevao will play an important role for the club this season.

“Yeah, with Este, 100 per cent because of his potential, because he's so young.

“But he's in that process of adapting and learning quickly. And the season is going to be long.”

It is hard to argue against Alonso’s decision to maintain his primary front three of Palmer, Rogers, and Joao Pedro, given the trio’s form early this season.

On the other hand, it is unfair to judge Estevao too harshly for his 10-minute cameos in league matches or his performance with fringe players in the Carabao Cup.

The question is how could Alonso fit Estevao into his plans as more than just a rotation player while Rogers and Palmer are clearly ahead in the pecking order.