Poyet: Chelsea’s New System Could See Estevao Move to Wing-Back, Affecting His Development

According to Goal, Gus Poyet is concerned that Chelsea’s new tactical system could restrict Estevao’s performances and even see him repeat Hudson-Odoi’s situation by being asked to play in the unfamiliar wing-back role.

Last season, Estevao joined Chelsea from Palmeiras in a big-money transfer after turning 18. Due to his outstanding ability to change games, the South American talent was nicknamed “Little Messi” by fans.

Before his first season in west London ended prematurely due to a hamstring injury, Estevao fully showcased his technical qualities. The injury also affected his dream of making an early push for the 2026 World Cup, as he scored 8 goals in 36 appearances and repeatedly energized the stands.

Chelsea have leaned more towards formations without wingers since Xabi Alonso became head coach.

The expectation was that Estevao would continue improving after adapting to life in the Premier League, but Chelsea’s change of manager also brought a change in tactical ideas. Xabi Alonso is currently using a system featuring three centre-backs, four midfielders and three forwards.

England internationals Palmer and Morgan Rogers occupy the two attacking midfield positions behind Joao Pedro, meaning there is no traditional winger role in the squad. Estevao had previously been more comfortable playing on the right.

Xabi Alonso has already shown tactical creativity, having moved a right-back into central midfield and asked Portuguese forward Pedro Neto to operate as a wing-back. Former Chelsea player Hudson-Odoi was also previously asked by Thomas Tuchel to make a similar adjustment, eventually leaving the club.

Estevao does not want to take on too many defensive responsibilities because his strength lies in carrying the ball and attacking. When asked whether 19-year-old Estevao could be affected if he is used incorrectly, Chelsea legend Gus Poyet told Goal: “It will 100 per cent affect him. But Hudson-Odoi went through something similar too. Do you remember when Tuchel tried a back five and later made wingers play as wing-backs? We all know Hudson-Odoi was not comfortable with it. He later left because he did not want to play as a wing-back. He was a winger.”

“For a while, I was happy that something similar had not happened to Estevao. But then I thought about it, and Pedro Neto has faced the same issue. I have not seen him very happy. The other day, we saw Reece James telling him to come back on the pitch and saying: ‘Come back, my friend, you are a wing-back.’ Pedro Neto might think: ‘I have to play there because if I do not play that position, I will not have a chance to feature.’ That is the situation at the moment.”

“But they do need to adapt. This is something Xabi Alonso has to think about now. He certainly needs to continue studying their attacking approach.”

“The goals they have scored have been incredible, and the chances they have created have also been excellent. But they clearly need to improve defensively, as they have conceded too many goals in two matches. That is the issue of balance. When you win 4-3, everyone is happy; but when you start losing 3-2, people will say: ‘They are conceding too many goals.’ They have also scored three goals, so we will continue to watch.”

Estevao came on as a substitute in Chelsea’s first match of the new season, replacing Palmer and playing 7 minutes as Chelsea beat neighbours Fulham 3-2. He then started in the second round of the English League Cup victory over Luton.

Given the club’s high opinion of him, Estevao should receive plenty of playing time this season. However, he may find it difficult to displace Palmer and Morgan Rogers from the starting lineup, and he is unlikely to want to play as a wing-back, meaning Xabi Alonso must solve how to keep all players satisfied.

Chelsea currently have 6 points in the Premier League and have signed World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in an attempt to strengthen their defence. Their next match will be away against defending champions Arsenal on Sunday.