Chelsea wants Estevao Willian to play as a number 10, what about Palmer?

Chelsea are planning to reposition Estevao Willian in the number 10 role within the next two years, even though Cole Palmer is currently the most creative striker under Enzo Maresca. According to journalist Matt Law, the club believes internally that Estevao is better suited to playing in the center and are not concerned that this option will affect Palmer or the team's structure. For now, Estevao will retain his right wing role – where he is currently playing impressively.

The plan was clear: from the right wing into the center.

Under the BlueCo group, Chelsea operates with a more strategic approach: recruiting talent along with a long-term development plan. Estevao, 18, is excelling for the Brazilian national team and performing convincingly at his club, and is seen as the core of that direction. Chelsea believes he can rise to the top 10 players in the world in the near future – a reason they want to place him in a more influential position.

Matt Law said: “The internal view at the club is very clear: within the next two years, he will transition from right wing to playing as a number 10. They are not concerned about how that will affect Cole or the team's formation.” He added: “They seem to be working on a plan that they haven’t revealed to me, but internally they are convinced that he is a true number 10. They don’t think right winger will be where he stays long-term.”

Why number 10?

Estevao possesses the speed, technique, boldness, and game-changing ability of a top-class winger. A major plus is his goal-scoring and creative ability – factors that make Chelsea want to move him to the center, similar to the transition Cole Palmer underwent. From the center, a player who can both score and create chances usually has a more direct impact on every attack.

Palmer and the problem of coexistence

The question is the role of Cole Palmer – the current number 10 – and the most dangerous attacking threat in the hands of Enzo Maresca, who is sidelined with injury. Matt Law's sources emphasize that Chelsea are "not concerned" about the impact on Palmer or the formation, implying the club may consider adjusting the structure to maximize the potential of both.

The prospect of Estevao becoming the central figure in the offensive system is appealing, but he hasn't yet reached the level of influence Palmer has demonstrated. Nevertheless, the argument surrounding this duo opens up the possibility of a long-term plan – from adjusting the formation to reassigning roles – to allow both to leverage their strengths while maintaining balance.

Currently, it's still the right wing.

Currently, there's no reason to change: Estevao is playing exceptionally well on the right wing. This provides a favorable foundation for him to continue gaining experience, honing his decision-making skills and consistency before being moved to the center – a position that demands continuous influence throughout the 90 minutes.

Key milestones

• Target position: #10.
• Internal deadline: within the next two years (according to Matt Law).
• Current role: right wing, in excellent form.
• Operating principle: talent development goes hand in hand with scouting under BlueCo.

With strong belief in Estevao's potential and the tactical flexibility hinted at internally, Chelsea are laying the groundwork for a new creative axis. The next story will be how they balance the present – ​​Palmer as the number 10 – and the future, where Estevao is expected to become the central figure in midfield.