Former Premier League star, Jamie Redknapp has said Chelsea manager, Xabi Alonso must find a way to incorporate “incredible” Estevao Willian into his squad this campaign.
The Blues suffered a 3-0 loss at Brentford on Friday evening, extending their troubling run of conceding at least two goals in each of their five Premier League matches this season.
Chelsea’s revamped attacking unit began the season with encouraging performances but failed to score in west London, with Joao Pedro sidelined due to a knee injury.
Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers have featured in every fixture in the attacking positions behind the Brazilian, with Alonso implementing a three-defender formation.
Pedro Neto has established himself as the manager’s preferred choice at right wing-back, while Pep Chavarria and Jorrel Hato have alternated responsibilities on the left flank.
This arrangement has resulted in Estevao receiving limited playing opportunities, with the Brazilian accumulating just 23 minutes across four substitute appearances.
Although Palmer and Rogers appear to be Alonso’s first-choice selections in those two attacking positions, Redknapp contends that the manager must find a way to integrate the Brazilian into the lineup.
Redknapp said on Sky Sports following Chelsea’s loss to Brentford: “I look at Estevao. Is he too good a player not to play in this team?
“He is an incredible talent, but how do you get him in the team when you have Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro? These are the problems he has to solve.”
An earlier report this month indicated that Estevao has concerns about his position within Alonso’s system and might reassess his commitment in January should circumstances fail to progress favourably.