Xabi Alonso will eventually have no other option but to find a solution to fit Estevao Willian into his plans more regularly at Chelsea, according to Matt Law.

Estevao made his first Premier League start of the season in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge last week.

The 19-year-old was very unlucky not to get on the scoresheet, having had two goals disallowed for offside, but he was arguably still Chelsea’s most dangerous attacker in that game, especially in the first half.

After such a strong performance, it is likely that Estevao will retain his starting spot against Sunderland on Sunday, but this does not mean he is a regular starter.

Joao Pedro’s injury absence has indirectly helped Estevao earn his first league start since Pedro Neto was deployed as a false nine against Man United, freeing up the space for the young winger on the right flank.

When the striker eventually makes his return after the international break, it would be much more difficult for Alonso to find room for Estevao, especially given Neto, Cole Palmer, and Morgan Rogers’ brilliant form.

The Telegraph journalist Law also doubts Estevao can start regularly once Joao Pedro returns, but he still thinks Alonso has no choice but to find a way to utilise a talent viewed so highly by the club.

“I think it’ll resolve itself,” Law said on the London Is Blue Podcast when speaking about Estevao’s struggles for minutes.

“Ultimately, the club value him too highly for it not to resolve itself.

“I think he’s so much of a star and the club have invested so much into his talent and believe in him so much that I don’t believe that even a manager with slightly more power like Alonso will be able to get into a situation that forces Estevao out.

“I just don’t think it will be allowed to happen, quite frankly.”

Alonso himself has already ruled out any discussions about a potential loan move for Estevao in January. This makes a lot of sense given Estevao is reportedly among the few players Chelsea consider untouchable alongside others such as Palmer, Joao Pedro, and Reece James.

Obviously, Alonso will try to prioritise the players he believes can deliver results on the pitch, but if Estevao continues to play sporadic minutes, the more likely he will consider to push for an exit. It is also safe to say he would have plenty of potential suitors if he decided to leave.

As Law pointed out, Chelsea would not let such a scenario brew, and it could put Alonso under pressure. 

One of the possible solutions is to make the tactical shift to a 4-2-3-1 that Chelsea used against Man United permanent. The extra attacker spot in this system, compared to a 3-4-2-1, provides more room for players like Estevao, Geovany Quenda, and Jamie Gittens, who would also get to play in more familiar winger roles.