"I count on Este 100 per cent," Xabi Alonso said of Estevao Willian, even with talk around a possible Barcelona move and a limited role at Chelsea. The teenager has six appearances this season and has played fewer than 150 minutes. Four of those outings have been Premier League substitute cameos, adding up to 23 minutes.

Alonso's public backing

Alonso's line cuts through a lot of the noise. He added that Estevao is adapting and learning quickly, then made it plain again: "Este is part of it. He has a very good attitude and mentality to prepare for every game and be ready for the team."

That public support matters because the usage so far has been light. Chelsea agreed to sign Estevao from Palmeiras for £29m in May 2024, but the early part of his time at the club has been built on brief appearances rather than a settled place in the side. He has also had two Carabao Cup outings, against Luton Town and Leeds United.

The minutes problem Chelsea still have

Frank Leboeuf's view is very different. Speaking to football.london, he said: "I think Estevao might have to leave Chelsea, and it’s a shame because he is a pure talent." He went further, saying, "It might be time to sell him. If you’re not going to use him, sell him, because he deserves to play and could be well-utilised by other teams."

That argument is about game time, not quality. Chelsea are still introducing him gradually, but a winger with six appearances and fewer than 150 minutes is bound to attract outside chatter when a club-backed route into the team is not obvious.

Estevao's own comments were calmer. Speaking in Brisbane, Australia, he said, "Of course, we work every day, I give my best every day, and that's what I do. We have quality players at Chelsea, so what I do is focus on what I can control."

That is where the story stands for now, with Alonso backing him publicly and the minutes total still low. Chelsea's next decision on how often Estevao plays will tell more than any outside noise.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →