Xabi Alonso faces criticism over Estêvão’s role at Chelsea

Xabi Alonso is facing criticism over his treatment of a Chelsea star: Brazilian winger Estêvão, 19, has been left on the bench more often than not since the change of coach. In the space of a year, he has gone from being one of the most talked-about and highly praised young talents to a substitute, prompting supporters and journalists to question Alonso’s decisions.

The coach was asked why he did not trust Estêvão after leaving him out of the starting line-up for Chelsea’s penalty-shootout defeat to Liverpool in the English League Cup. Estêvão has not started a Premier League match this season. His only two starts came in the early rounds of the League Cup, while Chelsea are not competing in European competitions.

Last season, Estêvão was regarded as one of world football’s most outstanding young talents after a promising start with Chelsea. Around the same time, his performances confirmed to Chelsea why they had signed him from Palmeiras for 34 million euros. But his first season at Stamford Bridge ended prematurely in April after a hamstring injury. It ruled him out of the World Cup with Brazil, despite predictions that he could make Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, according to the Spanish press.

Alonso defended his handling of the player: «I understand his situation and, of course, he could have been happier. Every player wants to play. The right moment will come for everything, and I’m sure his opportunity will come, because that is my responsibility. We have to manage this, and we know the season will be long and there will be moments when everyone gets their chance.»

Since taking charge, Alonso has mainly brought Estêvão on late in Premier League matches. As his playing time declined, Chelsea supporters at the match against Liverpool spent much of the game chanting his name, signalling that they wanted to see him get more opportunities.

Chelsea are fifth in the Premier League with 13 points after 8 matches: 4 wins, 1 draw and 3 defeats, with 17 goals scored and 15 conceded. Their last 5 league matches have brought 2 wins, 1 draw and 2 defeats. At home, Chelsea have 2 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat in 4 matches, scoring 11 and conceding 8; away, they have 2 wins and 2 defeats in 4 matches, with 6 goals scored and 7 conceded. Chelsea average 2.13 goals scored and 1.88 conceded per Premier League match.