Chelsea fans have not seen too much of Cole Palmer and Estevao Willian in the same team this season.
Palmer has missed most of the campaign so far because of injury so has not had many opportunities to play alongside Estevao.
The 23-year-old is fit again but will not play against Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday night, so that will be another match where he and Estevao do not share the pitch.
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However, Palmer is just being rested and will be available for Chelsea’s Premier League tie with Everton.
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Gianfranco Zola envisions Cole Palmer in the No.10 position and Estevao Willian on the right
Even though Enzo Maresca has suggested that Estevao’s future is in the No.10 role, Gianfranco Zola still thinks his compatriot can get the Brazilian and Palmer in the same team.
For now, the Chelsea legend can envision Palmer playing behind the striker while Estevao starts out wide.
In an interview with The Times, Zola said: “Is it possible? Of course it is. Anything is when you are dealing with such good players. Enzo also has guys like [Alejandro] Garnacho and Pedro Neto to fit in, and both of them like Estevao are very comfortable playing a bit wider. There’s a lot of flexibility and interchangeability in those forward areas, which gives Maresca a lot of options.
“I do prefer Palmer as a 10, because in that position he gives fewer reference points to the opposition. He’s an intelligent player. He always finds himself in the right places and so often he’s the one to provide the decisive touch. He’ll do well in other roles as well, but I really do think he’s cut out to be a number 10.”
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Palmer can also play on the right, but Maresca has preferred using the England international in the No.10 position since arriving at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea fans will just want to see the former Manchester City star on the pitch. That is the most important thing. He is the team’s best player.
No reason why Cole Palmer and Estevao Willian can’t play together
While Maresca can see Estevao playing in a more central role one day, the Brazil international has the skill set to become a very successful winger.
For example, Estevao is a very capable dribbler. According to FBref, he completes 4.65 progressive carries and 3.22 successful take-ons per 90 minutes.
Ultimately, there is no reason why Estevao cannot continue on the wing. If he stays there, getting him and Palmer into the same team should not be a problem.
If this is a conundrum for Maresca or becomes one, it is a very good one to have. The 45-year-old is a great coach; he will find a way to make it work.
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