Chelsea's Estevao frustration over playing time draws Barcelona's interest
Brazilian winger Estevao Willian, 19, has yet to earn a Premier League start for Chelsea this season, and Spanish reports say Barcelona are monitoring his situation, though Chelsea insist he remains untouchable in the club's long-term plans.
A difficult start to the season
Estevao Willian joined Chelsea last summer from Brazilian club Palmeiras and impressed during his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge, scoring eight goals and providing four assists (according to Metro.co.uk). However, a hamstring injury in April ended his season prematurely, and Metro reports that this also cost him a place in Brazil's squad at this year's World Cup. AOL adds that, overall, a couple of hamstring injuries saw him miss 20 matches for club and country.
Minimal minutes this season
Since Xabi Alonso took charge at Chelsea, Estevao has yet to make a single Premier League start. Sources differ slightly on his exact playing time: AOL and Football London state he has played just 23 minutes in the Premier League (not including stoppage time), while roundtable.io reports 148 minutes across six appearances in all competitions. The reason cited is fierce competition from Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers for places in Alonso's 3-4-2-1 system, along with the manager's reluctance to use Estevao as a wing-back, a role in which, according to AOL, he lacks the tactical discipline required.
Frustration and Barcelona's interest
Citing Spanish newspaper Sport, Metro reports that Estevao has grown 'frustrated' and at times even 'angry' at feeling unfairly overlooked, and holds a 'pessimistic' view of his prospects this season. The same source claims the player has also resisted the club's push for him to add muscle mass, fearing it could harm his natural style of play — a detail reported only by Metro. Barcelona, whose sporting director Deco reportedly keeps receiving updates on Estevao's situation, have monitored him since his Palmeiras days. The player still has six and a half years remaining on his Chelsea contract (Metro).
Club and manager's stance
Chelsea sources insist nothing has changed regarding Estevao's future, with the winger still viewed as untouchable and a major part of the club's long-term plans (Football London). Alonso has also dismissed the speculation: 'With Este, 100% [he has a big role to play this season] because of his potential, because he's so young but he's in that process to adapt and learn quickly. [..] The season is going to be long.' Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti stressed that Estevao remains very important to the national team regardless of his club minutes. The player himself has said he is focusing on what he can control and has faith in himself.
