Estevao Willian started again for a Chelsea side who capitulated at home to Brighton. Afterwards, Blues supporters had the same complaint regarding the talented youngster.
It was a horrid Saturday for Chelsea fans, watching their team throw away a lead during the 3-1 defeat in the Premier League.
Several Chelsea stars disappointed against Brighton, including Trevoh Chalobah, who was shown a red card early in the second half when his side were in front. Afterwards, the Seagulls capitalised on their extra man on the pitch to score three times and grab three points at Stamford Bridge.
As a result, Blues head coach Enzo Maresca should be disappointed that his side sit on just eight points from the opening six league matches this season.
Chelsea fans rage at Estevao Willian’s substitution
Estevao Willian, 18, has definitely shown glimpses so far of his outstanding potential, but he’s still trying to get up to full speed during his debut season in English football.
Last week, the Brazilian winger was sacrificed very early on against Manchester United because of Robert Sanchez’s red card. In the Brighton fixture, he played just over an hour before Malo Gusto replaced him as part of a defensive change from the manager.
Chelsea fans on X are equally frustrated that the South American talent continues to be taken off.
One fan wrote: “Taking out Estevao when he was causing problems in that Brighton defence was shaky for me.”
“Maresca must let Estevao play more minutes during the matches,” another claimed.
One supporter posted: “Why is Maresca allergic to playing Estevao for 90 mins, man? He is doing so well. He deserves a full match!”
“Someone tell Maresca that just because Estevao’s 18 doesn’t mean he’s not ready to play 90 minutes,” another said.
So far this season, Estevao has made seven Chelsea appearances across all competitions. He’s yet to complete a full 90 minutes once, though.
We understand that Maresca is still trying to integrate him into the club as he adjusts to the intensity of the Premier League, but it is worth remembering he was used to playing every week for Brazilian giants Palmeiras.
It has been reported that Chelsea think Estevao could become a £200m player further down the line. Based on ability, we understand why there is so much hype around the skilful attacker. We suspect he will only improve given more time and experience.
Estevao Willian statistics vs Brighton
Estevao was one of the bright Chelsea sparks against Brighton during his hour on the park, even if he was just lacking end product.
| Minutes played | Total shots | Shots on target | Chances created | Successful dribbles | Touches in opposition box | Ground duels won | Match rating |
| 63 | 3 | 0/3 (0%) | 0 | 3/5 (60%) | 5 | 6/9 (67%) | 6.8 |
The left-footed trickster has the individual skill to glide past Premier League defenders with ease. We’re confident that there is still so much more to come from him, too!
It is interesting that he’s got the nod on the right wing in the previous two games, while Pedro Neto has started on the opposite flank. That has left Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho as expensive signings watching on from the bench.
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