Danny Murphy believes Estevao deserves significantly more playing time at Chelsea. The Brazilian winger started for the first time this season in the Premier League, helping London secure a 2-0 victory over Manchester United. According to the expert, the 4-2-3-1 formation used by Xabi Alonso allows the young player’s strengths to shine.
Estevao has fitted well into Chelsea’s revamped attack alongside Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, and Pedro Neto. The Londoners have climbed to fourth place in the table, with the Brazilian showcasing his speed, technique, and ability to operate in various positions.
Reports have previously emerged regarding Estevao’s dissatisfaction over a lack of playing time. Rumours suggest the player might even consider leaving next summer.
Murphy urges Alonso to trust Estevao
During a segment on Match of the Day, the former Liverpool midfielder explained why the Brazilian should be given more opportunities.
He is phenomenally talented. Fans are puzzled as to why he isn’t used, especially in recent matches when the team reverted to 4-2-3-1.
Earlier in the season, three players were positioned ahead in a different system, without wingers. But today we saw what the team had been lacking: courage, speed, technique, and goal threat.
He started on the right, occasionally drifting into the centre as a playmaker and moving to the left. They have that flexibility.
Now the question is, what formation to use next and where to find him a place. Joao Pedro will return, there’s Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers.
But in any case, Estevao should be playing more. At present, Xabi Alonso seems to have settled on the 4-2-3-1 formation. If that continues, we will see Estevao much more often.
For Alonso, the main task remains balancing playing time among numerous attacking players. However, Estevao's performance against Manchester United showed that he can be beneficial not just when coming off the bench but also from the start.
Chelsea’s next match will be away against Sunderland in a week.
