Chelsea’s Premier League and European competitors are closely monitoring Estevao Willian’s situation after the Brazilian teenager was once again left without a minute under Xabi Alonso.
Even with Cole Palmer suspended and Joao Pedro unavailable through injury, Estevao was not called upon during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup defeat by Liverpool. The 19-year-old remained on the bench at Anfield as four Chelsea players were introduced during the 1-1 draw before Liverpool prevailed in the penalty shootout.
Across Chelsea’s opening eight Premier League matches, Estevao has made six late substitute appearances and has been left unused on two occasions.
The winger is under contract with Chelsea until the 2030s, and the club regard him as one of their ‘untouchables’. Chelsea have even explored the possibility of extending his current agreement. However, sources outside the club say his lack of regular football has attracted attention from rival teams in England and across Europe.
There is no suggestion that Estevao’s limited involvement is the result of a disagreement with Alonso. Instead, his absence has been attributed to tactical and technical decisions. The Chelsea boss has acknowledged that the intensity of English football is a factor, while also indicating that the youngster should receive more opportunities as the campaign develops.
Alonso does not currently view Estevao as a natural fit for the demanding wing-back position, which requires extensive defensive work. His preferred role is as an attacking winger who can drift inside, similar to the way Palmer operates in Chelsea’s 3-4-2-1 formation.
Estevao did not leave the bench during Chelsea’s Carabao Cup exit to Liverpool, with his lack of game time attracting interest from clubs in England and Europe
The Brazilian has featured as a late substitute six times and been unused twice in Chelsea’s eight Premier League games
Chelsea supporters are eager to see more of Estevao, with the travelling fans at Anfield chanting his name despite his failure to appear. Palmer, however, will be available again when Manchester United visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday lunchtime after completing his one-match suspension.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has included Estevao in his squad for November’s friendlies against Japan and Singapore. The teenager has started as many games for Brazil during a single international break as he has for Chelsea in all competitions this season.
Ancelotti explained during the previous international window that he would not allow Estevao’s lack of club minutes to influence his selection, saying he viewed helping the player’s development as part of his responsibility. The Sao Paulo-born forward has scored six goals in 14 appearances for Brazil.
Como defender attracting attention
Chelsea remain interested in Jacobo Ramon, the 21-year-old Como centre-back who has impressed under Cesc Fabregas, although several other clubs in England and Europe are also tracking his progress.
Arsenal and Manchester United have been linked with Ramon, whose future is complicated by Real Madrid’s 50 per cent sell-on clause. The Spanish club also hold a buy-back option, although the details of that provision have not been disclosed.
Ramon previously worked with Alonso during the 2018-19 season, when the current Chelsea manager was beginning his coaching career in Real Madrid’s academy.
Chelsea’s interest began before Alonso arrived at Stamford Bridge, dating back to last January. At that time, Ramon was shortlisted alongside Jeremy Jacquet, then at Rennes and now with Liverpool, and Marcos Senesi, who has since moved from Bournemouth to Tottenham.
Chelsea ultimately prioritised a move for Jacquet, but the defender opted for Liverpool after agreeing a pre-contract to join them in the summer for £60million. He came off the bench during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup meeting, replacing Virgil van Dijk.
Chelsea continue to monitor Como’s 21-year-old defender Jacobo Ramon, pictured left, but face strong competition for his signature
Chelsea viewed as favourites for £90m Scott
Rival clubs believe Chelsea are in pole position to sign Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, with a deal potentially being negotiated before the January transfer window opens.
A fee in the region of £90million is thought to be sufficient, despite Bournemouth publicly holding out for more than £100m.
Marco Rose’s Bournemouth side have improved their results in recent weeks, and that run could make Scott’s departure easier to arrange. The club have indicated that they would resist a January sale if their Premier League position became uncertain. Scott is currently injured, while Bournemouth have won five straight matches in all competitions without him.
Liverpool have also assessed Scott, although they are not believed to have shown the same level of interest as Chelsea. There is a feeling Bournemouth may welcome a bidding battle for the 23-year-old midfielder, who has made it known that he is open to a move.
Lamine Camara, the Monaco midfielder Chelsea came close to signing for £47m in the summer, also remains admired by Liverpool.
Chelsea’s rivals believe the Blues are favourites to land Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott
Could history offer Chelsea a warning?
Five years ago this week…
October 24, 2021: Manchester United suffer a 5-0 home defeat against Liverpool.
October 25-26: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer appears close to being dismissed.
October 27: Solskjaer unexpectedly keeps his job.
October 30: United travel to London and beat Tottenham 3-0.
Chelsea will be hoping the past does not repeat itself when Michael Carrick’s Manchester United arrive at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. United have endured a week in which they lost to Bournemouth, yet their manager survived calls for his dismissal.
Chelsea expect United captain Bruno Fernandes to return to the starting XI following his reported clear-the-air discussions with Carrick.
Lavia completes 90-minute milestone
Romeo Lavia played the full 90 minutes of a competitive match for Chelsea for the first time during the meeting with Liverpool, a significant step that should provide a boost to his confidence.
Alonso had identified completing a match as a mental hurdle for the midfielder during pre-season. He allowed the 22-year-old to finish a friendly victory over AC Milan and later told reporters on the tour that he wanted Lavia to experience that moment because his injury history had created a ‘mental block’.
Romeo Lavia completed the entire match for the first time in a competitive Chelsea fixture against Liverpool on Wednesday
Players receive advice on life after football
A group of Chelsea first-team players and highly rated academy prospects attended a meeting at Cobham this week featuring a specialist discussion about career-ending insurance.
It may not be the most glamorous subject, but protection against a premature end to a playing career is an important issue in such an unpredictable sport.
Chelsea have also been dealing with a run of muscle injuries. Maxence Lacroix was visibly struggling as he left the pitch at Anfield after suffering a hamstring problem.
Chelsea recruiting for physical performance role
Chelsea are seeking a physical performance coach to join their first-team backroom staff. The club’s job advertisement says the successful candidate will be expected to ‘lead on GK specific physical development’.
