Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso insists Estevao Willian has a big role to play for the club this season despite not starting a league game under him yet.The 19-year-old has played just 16 minutes in the Premier League so far even though the winger is fully fit after suffering a major hamstring injury against Manchester United in April. He came off the bench against Fulham and Arsenal and was an unused substitute in the 4-3 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion.It was reported by ESPN Brasil last week that Estevao, who joined from Palmerias for an initial €34million last summer, has already grown unsettled since Alonso took over and may look for a move in January.Alonso has suggested he has spoken to Estevao behind the scenes about the situation.
When asked if the Brazil international has told him about any concerns, Alonso replied: “No. Estevao is ready and training well. The other day he had a very good impact (in the 2-1 defeat against Arsenal) and had a great chance. He is fully involved and with a very good attitude every day.“You know, private conversations, they should remain private. Yes, (he has a role to play) 100 per cent because of his potential, because he is so young. He is in that process to adapt and to learn quick.”Evaluating Chelsea's summer transfer windowLiam TwomeyAlonso’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation has led to Chelsea playing with wing backs. Of the four wingers in Chelsea’s squad, only Pedro Neto has been used from the start in the league.Chelsea’s new manager has assured Estevao and other fringe players they will get an opportunity, but also warned they will have to earn it.He added: “The season is going to be long. The players that have the desire and the hunger to prove and to show every day that they are up for the challenge, it is what we want to create here in the building. Este is part of it. So he has had a very good attitude, very good mentality to prepare every game and to be ready for the team.”Estevao is expected to be in the first XI to face Leeds United in the Carabao Cup Third Round at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.Moises Caicedo, Marco Palestra, Jordan Henderson and Emmanuel Emegha have all been ruled out.
