Maxime Estève
BURFrance
Left
May 26, 2002
23
6'4"
192 lb
CB
--
Controlled Centre Back
BurnleyLeads backline in draw
Esteve was injured and subbed out in the 74th minute of Saturday's 0-0 draw versus AFC Bournemouth. He generated one tackle (zero won) and eight clearances before exiting the match.
Analysis: Esteve's eight clearances led the Burnley defensive effort Saturday as they played to a scoreless home draw versus Bournemouth. The talented young central defender has averaged 6.2 clearances per appearances across his last five appearances (five starts) in all competitions. Saturday marked just the fifth time across his 27 Premier League appearances (27 starts) in which Esteve did not play the full 90 minutes.
Exits with illness
Esteve was taken off as a precaution due feeling sick in Saturday's 0-0 draw against Bournemouth, according to coach Scott Parker, per Matt Scrafton of the Burnley Express. "He just said he was ill. He said he felt like he was going to be sick on the pitch, so obviously in that moment you can't take that risk really and we brought him off."
Analysis: Esteve had to come off in the second half of Saturday's clash against the Cherries but avoided any injury, as the defender was simply feeling sick and could not continue. That said, this is a positive update for the club since it means they have likely sidestepped an injury scare at the back. He should remain a regular in the starting XI moving forward after starting every match but three across all competitions for the Clarets this season.
Only dealing with cramp
Esteve was taken off as a precaution due to a cramp in Saturday's 1-1 draw to Liverpool, according to manager Scott Parker, per Matt Scrafton of the Burnley Express. "No, it looked like it was cramp. He was getting cramps in both quads. That's what it was, so hopefully not too serious."
Analysis: Eseteve had to be taken off 16 minutes before the final whistle on Saturday, but has avoided an injury, with the defender instead dealing with cramps and leaving due to caution. This is good news for the club, as it appears they will avoid an injury scare for their defender. He should then remain in the starting XI moving forward, starting in all 19 of his appearances.
Puts injury behind him
Esteve has started the last two matches, including Saturday's FA Cup win against Millwall.
Analysis: Esteve missed a couple matches and then was forced off only 15 minutes in a start on Dec. 30, but it appears he's fit again and fully available going forward. Regarded as Burnley's best defender, he's an important piece to the team's success and figures to be fully fit going forward, always in play to rack up high clearance numbers.
In starting lineup Wednesday
Esteve (undisclosed) is in the starting XI for Wednesday's matchup versus Manchester United.
Analysis: Esteve has recovered earlier than expected, taking a starting spot back from Hjalmar Ekdal. The Frenchman is a regular member of the team's back line when available, having racked up 598 accurate passes, 109 clearances and 24 interceptions across 17 matches played this season.
Won't be risked
Esteve (undisclosed) is out for Saturday's match against Brighton, according to manager Scott Parker. "Max won't make the weekend. He's done some work on the grass today, but obviously, with the dynamics of how things went the last game, really, it's probably too much to risk with such a short turnaround. We can't afford the same situation in-game to have to make changes that early. We're siding on the air of caution. Pick him up, get some good work into him, and hopefully he'll be fit for Wednesday. We're hoping for a speedy recovery.
Analysis: Esteve will not be risked over the weekend after returning too early on Tuesday, with the defender not an option after the first half exit. The club will then be forced into some changes in the defense, with Hjalmar Ekdal, Bashir Humphreys and Josh Laurent as likely starting options in the center of the defense. Esteve is focusing his fitness on Wednesday's match, potentially making that contest with some recovery this week.
Injured again
Esteve was forced off with an injury after 15 minutes of play in Tuesday's clash against Newcastle.
Analysis: Esteve was back in the starting lineup after missing a couple of contests because of an undisclosed issue, so he possibly suffered a setback. Still, his status is unclear, and he could now be sidelined for more time if the problem is serious. Bashir Humphreys replaced him Tuesday and should be a likely beneficiary from any time Esteve misses in future weeks.
Starting in defense
Esteve (undisclosed) is in the starting XI for Tuesday's match against Newcastle.
Analysis: Esteve was a late call and has passed his testing, an option for the starting XI after some fitness issues. He should remain in this role after his two-game absence, starting in all 18 games he has been an option for this season.
Late call for Tuesday
Esteve (undisclosed) is questionable for Tuesday's match against Newcastle, according to manager Scott Parker. "Maxime is close, we'll see where he's at ahead of the game, but hopefully he'll be in the frame for a return. We're going to need everybody to be ready to play their part over the coming days and weeks."
Analysis: Esteve is still battling his injury and will need some testing ahead of Tuesday's match, with the defender still a late call due to his injury. This continues to be something to monitor for the club, as his absence'es the past two games are his only missed matches all season. If he is deemed fit, he will likely see the start, with Josh Laurent, Hjalmar Ekdal and Bashir Humphreys receiving the start in the defense in the last match.
Out vs. Everton
Esteve (undisclosed) is out for Saturday's game against Everton.
Analysis: Esteve had a shot at being available Saturday, but in the end, the defender didn't even make the bench for this clash. Bashir Humphreys will start at center-back alongside Hjalmar Ekdal in a depleted Clarets defense that's also missing Joe Worrall (undisclosed). Esteve's next chance to play will come against Newcastle United on Tuesday, Dec. 30.
Could be available Saturday
Esteve (knock) was running on grass in Tuesday's training session and will be assessed later in the week to see if he can be available for Saturday's clash against Everton, coach Scott Parker said in the press conference. "Maxime was on the grass today, we will have to see later on in the week if he is fit for Saturday."
Analysis: Esteve missed the last game against Bournemouth due to a knock he received in training last week. The center-back was spotted running on grass during team training on Tuesday and will be a late fitness call for Saturday's clash against Everton. Esteve's issue appears minor according to coach Scott Parker, so there is a good chance he will be available against the Toffees and reclaim his undisputed starting role in the backline. That said, if he ultimately has to miss the game, Joe Worrall will likely replace him again for the Clarets.
Ruled out due to knock
Esteve (knock) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Bournemouth, coach Scott Parker confirmed to the media, according to Matt Scrafton from the Burnley Express. "Maxi is struggling with a little bit of a knock. We thought he was going to be okay but yesterday he came out of training, so that's disappointing."
Analysis: Esteve has been dealing with a knock this week and couldn't end Friday's training session due to pain. The center-back was expected to be available for Saturday's clash against the Cherries but ultimately couldn't be deemed fit enough to feature in the match squad. This is a blow for the Clarets since he is an undisputed starter in central defense and is absence forces a change in the backline, with Joe Worrall stepping in his spot for that game.
Season high in clearances
Esteve recorded 14 clearances and five interceptions in Wednesday's 1-0 loss versus Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Esteve delivered an impressive defensive performance with 14 clearances and five interceptions, both season highs, despite the loss. He has started every game this season and maintained strong defensive numbers despite the team's struggles, recording 14 tackles, 23 interceptions and 101 clearances, although managing only two clean sheets in 14 matches.
Two own goals in loss
Esteve recorded two own goals and one shot (zero on goal) in Saturday's 5-1 loss versus Manchester City.
Analysis: Esteve had a rough outing to say the least, with the defender slotting home two own goals in the loss Saturday. Luckily for the defender, the match appeared to be out of reach anyway, still allowing three more goals. He would also add four tackles (one won) and seven clearances in the defense.
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