Xabi Alonso speaks out on Estevao’s future after reports of unhappiness
Estevao wants to get back into the starting XI at Chelsea (Picture: Getty Images) Xabi Alonso insists there are no issues with winger Estevao after reports that the youngster is growing frustrated at Chelsea. The 19-year-old was unveiled at Stamford Bridge in August last year and showed very exciting glimpses over 36 appearances last season, scoring eight goals. The teenager has already won 11 caps for Brazil, scoring five times for his country, with many expecting him to develop into a global superstar. However, this season has started slowly, making two substitute appearances in the Premier League so far, totally 16 minutes on the field. Exclusive Premier League previews Get ahead of the start of the season with our weekly football newsletter. Sign up now for free. He did start a Carabao Cup win over Luton Town, but top flight action is what he will want, especially given there is no European football for Chelsea this season. ESPN Brasil reported that Estevao has concerns over his game time at Chelsea and the position he will be deployed when he is on the pitch. The report states that he would prefer one of the central positions taken up by Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers to the right wing-back role in which Pedro Neto has been playing. Estevao had a very bright cameo in Chelsea’s defeat at Arsenal (Picture: Getty Images) He is not getting much of a chance in either position at the moment and he could push for a move elsewhere if that continues, according to the report from his homeland. Alonso has dismissed talk of the youngster being unsettled, though, with Estevao likely to get another run out in the Carabao Cup against Leeds United on Wednesday. ‘No, Este is ready. He’s training well,’ Alonso told a press conference on whether Estevao is unhappy. ‘The other day [against Arsenal], he had a good impact and a good chance. ‘With Este, I count on him 100 per cent because of his potential because he’s so young. The season is going to be long.’ Xabi Alonso expects Estevao to play a part for him this season (Picture: Getty Images) On whether he has spoken to the teenager, the Chelsea boss said: ‘Private conversations should remain private. ‘The season is going to be long. The players have the desire and the hunger to improve. ‘Este is part of the group – he has a very good attitude and mentality to prepare for every game.’ Estevao will feature against Leeds, but summer signing Marco Palestra and Moises Caicedo remain out with injuries. ‘Not yet,’ Alonso said of the pair’s availability. ‘They’re still not ready to go. It’s not the moment to take too early of a risk. We’ll go game by game with them, but it’s too early.’ Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
