Jamie Redknapp has questioned Chelsea’s continued omission of Estevao Willian after the teenage winger was left on the fringes once again during Friday night’s humiliating defeat by Brentford.
The Blues suffered a crushing 3-0 loss at the Gtech Community Stadium, with Xabi Alonso’s side failing to score while extending their worrying defensive record.
Chelsea have now conceded at least twice in each of their opening five Premier League matches, leaving Alonso with major problems to address at both ends of the pitch.
Their revamped attack had made an encouraging start to the campaign but struggled badly against Brentford following the loss of Joao Pedro to a knee injury.
Despite the Brazilian forward’s absence, Estevao was again restricted to a substitute appearance rather than being handed an opportunity from the start.
The 19-year-old has played only 23 minutes across four matches this season, with Alonso preferring other options in his current system.
Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers have started every Premier League game in the two attacking positions behind Chelsea’s central forward.
Alonso has also consistently deployed three central defenders, with Pedro Neto operating as his first-choice right wing-back.
Jamie Redknapp has questioned Chelsea’s continued omission of Estevao Willian after the teenage winger was left on the fringes once again during Friday night’s humiliating defeat by Brentford
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Pep Chavarria and summer signing Jorrel Hato have shared responsibility on the opposite flank, further limiting Estevao’s route into the team.
Redknapp believes the Brazilian’s talent is too significant to ignore and has challenged Alonso to devise a system capable of accommodating him.
“I look at Estevao, is he too good a player not to play in this team?” Redknapp told Sky Sports following Chelsea’s defeat.
“He is an incredible talent, but how do you get him in the team when you have got Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro?
Estevao has struggled for regular game time at Chelsea
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“These are the problems he has to solve.”
Estevao arrived in west London with a reputation as one of world football’s most exciting young attackers but has struggled to establish himself under Alonso.
Reports earlier this month claimed the youngster had concerns about his role and could assess his Chelsea future during the January transfer window if his opportunities remain limited.
There has been no confirmation that Estevao is actively seeking a move, but his lack of minutes is likely to attract further scrutiny following Chelsea’s failure to trouble Brentford.
Alonso must now decide whether to alter his tactical approach or continue backing the players who have started the majority of Chelsea’s league fixtures.
Redknapp also believes the Blues boss faces another selection dilemma involving captain Reece James.
Brentford were superior in every department as Chelsea were crushed on Friday
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The England international has the ability to operate as either a wing-back or central midfielder, but his best position within Alonso’s system remains unclear.
“There are problems, what are the best options for him?” Redknapp added.
“Does Reece James fit in as a wing-back or a midfield player?”
Chelsea return to action against Bournemouth on October 10.
