Former Arsenal scout Sandro Orlandelli has suggested that Chelsea can learn lessons from the Gunners with regard to how to handle the development of South American talent.
Headlined by the deal that has been struck for Estevao Willian, Chelsea has placed considerable emphasis on adding prospects from that part of the world to their stable of players.
In recent years, Chelsea has been quite active in the South American market, scouting and acquiring young players who show immense potential. Andrey Santos, Angelo Gabriel, and Deivid Washington have all been signed from Brazilian clubs, each bringing unique skills and the potential to make an impact in European football. Meanwhile, Aaron Anselmino and Kendry Paez have been signed from Boca Juniors and Independiente del Valle, two of the most prominent clubs in Argentina and Ecuador, respectively.
The acquisitions signify Chelsea’s ambitious strategy to build a talent pipeline from South America to Stamford Bridge. With a number of these players still in their teens, Chelsea has shown a clear intent to develop young talent with an eye toward future success. Their aim seems to be not only competing at the top of English and European football but also establishing a foundation that will ensure sustained success in the long term.
If reports are to be believed, both Estevao and Paez can expect to feature in the Chelsea senior squad in the 2025-26 season, while Santos has staked his claim through strong performances on loan at Strasbourg. The decision to send Santos on loan is indicative of Chelsea’s approach to providing young talents with valuable playing experience, preparing them for the competitive demands of the Premier League. This approach could benefit both the club and the players if managed carefully, ensuring that when these talents do join the senior squad, they are prepared for the high expectations and pressures.
However, speaking to PL Brasil, Orlandelli explained why he feels that Chelsea should not necessarily be so eager to use Estevao as an option in Mauricio Pochettino’s squad as soon as he makes the move to England next summer.
According to Orlandelli, the step up from South American leagues to the Premier League is significant, and integrating young players too quickly can often hinder their development. He believes that Chelsea could take a page from Arsenal’s book when it comes to gradually nurturing young talent, allowing them time to adjust both physically and mentally to the new demands. Arsenal has been known for its cautious and structured approach to introducing young players, particularly those from different continents, and it is something that Orlandelli believes Chelsea should consider.
Estevao remains a star prospect in Brazil. Still just 17 years of age, there was the feeling that Estevao's form may tail off after making such an impact during his early appearances in the Brasileiro. However, he has defied expectations and continues to impress fans and scouts alike. Despite minor injuries that could have slowed his progress, these interruptions have seemingly been a blessing in disguise, allowing him a breather and the chance to avoid burnout. Estevao has returned to action with an impressive tally, contributing six goals and four assists from his last eight league outings.
Orlandelli highlighted the importance of patience, noting that young South American players like Estevao need time to adapt to the challenges of European football. Factors such as physicality, pace, and tactical discipline in leagues like the Premier League are often much more demanding than what they are accustomed to in their home countries. According to Orlandelli, a thoughtful and gradual introduction to English football could maximize Estevao's long-term potential and prevent issues that could arise from rushing his development.
The story of Gabriel Martinelli at Arsenal serves as a prime example of successful integration. Signed as a teenager from Brazil, Martinelli was carefully introduced into the first team under Mikel Arteta's guidance. Arsenal allowed him to develop at his own pace, and now he is a vital part of the team. Orlandelli implies that Chelsea could emulate Arsenal’s success by adopting a similar patient approach with their young South American recruits. If they do so, talents like Estevao and Paez could flourish, potentially becoming stars in the Premier League in a few years.
In Chelsea's case, the potential for success lies in their willingness to adapt and learn from the development models of other clubs, particularly Arsenal. It would involve loaning players out to gain experience, offering them specific physical training programs to build their strength, and ensuring that they have ample support to transition into life in Europe. The importance of mentorship from more experienced players in the squad is also a factor that should not be underestimated.
Chelsea's recent strategy in the transfer market reflects a long-term vision, but this approach comes with challenges. There is the risk of young players feeling isolated, particularly those from South America who are moving to a different continent, facing cultural adjustments as well as professional ones. If Chelsea takes Orlandelli's advice, they might provide an environment that prioritizes the mental and emotional well-being of their young talents, allowing them to thrive not just as footballers but as individuals adjusting to a new life in England.
Nevertheless, Orlandelli has claimed that Chelsea should give consideration to using Estevao in their Under-21 ranks before exposing him to the Premier League.
Orlandelli - who was a scout for Arsenal between 2002 and 2011 - has suggested that lessons can be learned from Arsenal's failure to give players of a similar profile enough time to adapt to the rigours of English football.
The 55-year-old said: "What we learned from experience: we missed the opportunity for players to have the adaptability of culture. English football, the Premier League, is a very particular culture.
"It is the most physical league on the planet, it demands high-intensity and in a higher quantity than any other league.
"No matter how technical the player is, this ends up having an impact if he is unable to absorb the type of rhythm that the PL requires
Ultimately, Chelsea’s focus on South American talent is a move that could pay huge dividends if executed correctly. With the right balance between patience and opportunity, players like Estevao, Paez, and others coul
d well become central to Chelsea’s future. However, Orlandelli’s words serve as a reminder that development is a marathon, not a sprint, and that nurturing these players carefully could yield far greater rewards than fast-tracking them into the spotlight too soon.
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