Is he too good a participant to not play?

Jamie Redknapp said Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso must find a way to integrate Estevao Willian into his starting line-up following the Blues’ 3-0 defeat to Brentford.

Estevao has seen his game time drastically reduced this season, with the young winger coming on as a substitute in the final three minutes of regulation time against the Bees.

The 19-year-old has yet to start a Premier League match for Chelsea this season, with all four of his league appearances so far coming as a substitute.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Redknapp questioned Alonso’s inability to find a room for Estevao in the starting XI, arguing that the winger deserves more playing time despite the presence of Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers.

“I look at Estevao, is he too good a player not to play in this team?” Redknapp said. “He is an incredible talent, but how do you get him in the team when you have got Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro? These are the problems he has to solve.”

Estevao joined Chelsea last campaign from his boyhood club, Palmeiras, in the summer of 2025. In his debut campaign at the West London club, he scored eight goals and provided four assists in 36 appearances across all competitions.

Amid his reduced minutes, reports emerged earlier this month that Estevao was growing concerned over his role under Alonso and could consider his future in January should the situation not improve.

Redknapp says “there are a few problems” Alonso needs to address at Chelsea

In the same segment with Sky Sports, Redknapp suggested that Alonso needs to address issues at Chelsea, although he backed him to “get it right” if given adequate support and time.

The former Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder hinted that Alonso might be short of personnel on the defensive flanks, suggesting that Reece James appears not to have the energy to play in the position.

James has mostly been deployed in midfield this season, but Redknapp thinks the England international does not possess the required qualities to properly function as a midfielder.

“There are problems regarding the back three. I’m thinking what are the best options for him [Alonso] in terms of the wing backs? Does Reece James fit in as a midfield player?” Redknapp said. “I watch him sometimes, and I don’t think he has the energy to get up and back as a wingback. As a midfielder, I’m not sure if that always suits him; I’m not sure if he always sees danger enough at times, but he is also captain. So, there are a few problems he needs to solve.”

James sat out the trip to the Gtech Community Stadium due to a little injury sustained in his hamstring. He has been a key part in Alonso’s squad this season.