Estevao, a highly anticipated signing for Chelsea, is experiencing a significant lack of playing time, leading to questions about his place in manager Xabi Alonso's plans. The 19-year-old Brazilian has found himself on the periphery, notably being an unused substitute in Chelsea's recent Carabao Cup penalty shootout loss to Liverpool at Anfield.
Despite joining the club last summer from Palmeiras, Estevao has yet to make a single start in the Premier League this season. His total minutes in all competitions amount to a mere 172, with a significant portion of that coming in earlier rounds of the EFL Cup. Even in one of his two starts this campaign, a high-scoring EFL Cup victory, he was substituted at halftime.
Alonso has attributed Estevao's limited involvement to the intense physicality of English football and the need for players to be fully prepared for its demands. "The season is going to be very long, and there will be moments for everyone," Alonso stated, while also acknowledging the player's desire to feature more prominently. "He could be happier. He wants to play. I'm sure Estevao will have his moment, it is my responsibility."
The primary reason for Estevao's struggles appears to be the strong form of Pedro Neto. Neto, who was previously linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, has become a crucial player for Alonso, earning seven starts in eight Premier League matches. His effectiveness, particularly on the right flank – Estevao's preferred position – has limited opportunities for the Brazilian.
Furthermore, Estevao has often been deployed as a right wing-back in Alonso's 3-4-2-1 formation. Pundits suggest that Neto's greater Premier League experience and perceived defensive solidity make him a more suitable option for this role in Alonso's system. "He's a player who is a little bit of a victim of the system," observed former Reading midfielder Jobi McAnuff. "Alonso tends to play Neto in that hybrid wing-back role, expecting him to get high up the pitch as well. Maybe he doesn't feel that suits Estevao, and I don't feel it does either."
The attacking positions in Chelsea's squad are otherwise occupied by other strong performers such as Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer, and Morgan Rogers. Even with key forwards like Palmer suspended and Joao Pedro injured for the Liverpool match, Estevao remained an unused substitute, a decision that drew surprise from former Crystal Palace forward Clinton Morrison. "How Estevao has not got on the pitch tonight, I do not know," Morrison commented. "He must be thinking, 'What do I have to do?'" Estevao will be hoping for a turnaround in his fortunes to establish himself at Stamford Bridge.