By Liam Grace
Copyright metro
Paul Merson wants Chelsea’s Estevao Willian ‘off the leash’ against Man Utd (Picture: Sky Sports)
Paul Merson has urged Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca to hand a start to Estevao Willian against Manchester United on Saturday.
The 18-year-old Brazilian arrived at Stamford Bridge this summer from Palmeiras with Chelsea paying an initial fee of around £29m.
It is reported that performance-related add-ons could see the deal reach a total figure of around £51m for the teenager.
Estevao has started two of Chelsea’s opening four Premier League games this season – but wasn’t in the squad against Brentford last time out in the top-flight due to illness – and Merson wants to see him back in the XI.
‘With Liam Delap out injured, how should Chelsea line-up to get the best out of their attack?’ football pundit Merson told Sportskeeda.
‘I think Joao Pedro up front and [Cole] Palmer in behind is a given. But who else do they play?
‘I don’t think Pedro Neto has done enough for Chelsea and Jamie Gittens looks a bit lost.
Estevao produced his first Chelsea assist in the win over West Ham (Picture: Getty)
‘They must play Estevao, let him off the leash. He has already proved that he can play at this level and he will enjoy a lot of space in this game.
‘So I’d go Neto, Palmer and Estevao behind Pedro. But I doubt Maresca will do the same. He may opt to go safe instead.
‘What the Chelsea coach must understand is that they have the better squad and can rip Manchester United into shreds if they play their best team.’
Chelsea paid €34m plus €23m in potential add-ons for Estevao (Picture: Getty)
Merson, who is tipping Chelsea to win the match 3-1, added: ‘I saw Chelsea lose to Bayern in the Champions League and I think they still did alright.
‘And so I’d actually be shocked if Chelsea lose this game at Old Trafford.
‘Manchester United may have a 10 or 15 minute window in the game where they dominate but I can’t see them doing enough to get anything out of it.
‘Cole Palmer looks sharp after returning from injury. But Enzo Maresca has to understand that this is the Premier League and anybody can beat anybody. I’m talking about the Brentford game.
‘Just play your best team. If he had to make three changes at half-time, it means he got his team selection horribly wrong.
‘Win the game that’s in front of you before thinking of Bayern in the Champions League.
‘Chelsea missed the trick at Brentford and dropped two huge points. They can’t do it again this weekend.
‘Qualifying for the Champions League once again will be a priority for Chelsea this season. If they can keep Palmer fit and firing, they wouldn’t worry about it.’
