The future of Estevao Willian at Chelsea FC remains a hot topic, as the Brazilian winger struggles to find regular playing time in the Premier League under manager Enzo Maresca. Football.London argues that Chelsea FC should nonetheless keep hold of him.

Brazilian media reported earlier this month that Estevao Willian is frustrated with his lack of opportunities to start matches this season.

The 2024/25 season is well underway, but the 19-year-old winger has yet to start a single Premier League match under new manager Enzo Maresca. Accounting for injury time, he has played just 20 minutes across three top-flight games this season.

Maresca downplayed reports of the teenager's frustration at his latest press conference, insisting he still has an important role to play at Chelsea FC this season. This may well be true, but speculation about Estevao's lack of playing time continues.

Bobby Vincent and Jack Stokes from Football.London have discussed what they believe Estevao should do next. Both writers ultimately reached the same conclusion.

This is genuinely a difficult question.

Of course Chelsea FC should keep Estevao. Who wouldn't want one of the most talented young players in the world to play for them? It's a no-brainer.

However, with Chelsea FC not competing in Europe this season, it will be harder for fringe players to gain minutes. This is also a disadvantage for Estevao, as he is currently outside the first-team squad due to fierce competition in the forward positions.

Palmer currently holds down the right-wing position, the season is still long, and injuries could bring changes. But breaking into the squad with Palmer, Moisés Caicedo, and João Félix will not be easy.

If reports of Estevao's frustration are true, it is hardly surprising. He knows his own ability and deserves a chance to play in top-level first-team matches. However, reality is not being kind to him, as Palmer, Caicedo, and João Félix are currently immovable.

He could also be used as a left-back, but Maresca does not appear enthusiastic about this idea at his latest press conference. Maresca believes Estevao's best position is as a winger or attacking midfielder, without excessive defensive responsibilities.

Chelsea FC should do everything to keep him, and I believe they will. However, they may need to convince him that he remains a key part of the long-term plan at Stamford Bridge.

Despite current frustration, patience may yet reward Estevao.

Maresca should try to ensure Estevao gets more playing time, but he should not abandon Chelsea FC's usual policy of selecting players on merit. This 19-year-old winger has the ability to become a regular starter and could eventually force the Blues' manager to adapt his system. But first, he must prove he can be consistently reliable at the highest level.

Last season, Estevao proved he could compete with the world's best players, with brilliant performances in crucial Champions League victories over Ajax and Barcelona, and playing an important role in Premier League wins over Liverpool. However, the Brazilian winger has not always enjoyed good health, suffering from several minor injuries throughout the season, followed by a more serious hamstring problem in April.

Despite his talent, he has not always been available, which is crucial in a season with 40, 50, or even 60 matches. Of course, Estevao can adapt to the physical demands by gradually increasing his playing time, so he must be used carefully.

Both he and Maresca simply need patience. There are still many games to play this season. As long as he can maintain the standard he showed against Arsenal in the Premier League, rather than his performance against Leeds United in the League Cup, the Brazilian winger's chance will come.

แปลโดย AI

เว็บไซต์ AF เปิดตัวแล้ว! ดูข่าว ความคิดเห็น รายละเอียดแมตช์ และสถิติครบถ้วนบนคอมพิวเตอร์ของคุณ เยี่ยมชม: www.allfootballapp.com