John Terry is confident it won’t be long before Estevao Willian is a permanent fixture in Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea starting XI.

Reports last week from Brazil claimed the teenager was growing concerned by his lack of game time, with all three of his Premier League appearances this season coming off the bench.

Alonso again waited until the closing stages to unleash Estevao in Saturday’s disappointing 2-2 draw with Hull City.

Pedro Neto is currently the preferred option on Chelsea’s new-look right wing, but Terry is confident Estevao will force his way into the line-up before long.

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Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former Chelsea skipper said: ‘Estevao came on for five minutes and he probably could’ve come on a bit earlier.

‘I’d loved to have seen Neto go over to the left for 10 minute and just see how he fared over there.

‘It felt like Neto was struggling to get down the outside of Giles. I’d love for wingers to take it on themselves and just switch with Morgan Rogers for 10 minutes and just see how that pans out.

‘Estevao looked good, he looked sharp. He looks a bit bigger and stronger, I saw him in the gym the other day and he looks like he’s developing and getting stronger.

‘He certainly needs game time but a great option coming on for 10 or 15 minutes at the moment.’

Nothing a change in the 19-year-old’s physical appearance since recovering from the injury that ruled him out of the World Cup, Terry added: ‘Really, really like him. Exciting, strong, got so much potential.

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‘When you look at him really powerful, really quick and aggressive for someone so small. I’m excited for his Chelsea career I think he’ll go on an upward trajectory.

‘He needs more game time soon which I think he’s going to get. I think rotation will be important as the season goes on.

‘But I think he’s that type of player that when he gets back into the team he cements his place and then struggles to get dropped or taken out the side, he’s that good. He’s a great lad, loves Chelsea and I think he’s a top star.’


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