Headline: Chelsea’s Estevao Faces Struggles to Secure Playing Time Amidst Competition
The last time Chelsea triumphed over Liverpool, Estevao was making headlines in the Premier League. The Brazilian forward, in just his first couple of months at Stamford Bridge, scored the decisive goal against the reigning champions with virtually the last kick of the match last October.
However, a year later, Estevao finds himself under scrutiny for the wrong reasons as he struggles to earn a spot in Xabi Alonso’s squad. The 19-year-old, who transferred to Chelsea from Palmeiras last summer, did not play as Chelsea was eliminated from the Carabao Cup following a penalty shootout defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.
Chelsea initially took the lead in the first half through Morgan Rogers, but the hosts quickly equalized with a goal from Cody Gakpo. Most troubling for Estevao was that, during the second half when both teams sought a winner, Alonso did not utilize the young forward.
The clearest sign of Estevao’s diminished role came midway through the second half, when Alonso opted for a triple substitution to change the game’s tide, including introducing Emanuel Emegha, who had yet to play for the Blues since his summer transfer from Strasbourg. Shortly after this change, Estevao was seen ending his warm-up and returning to the bench, continuing his trend of no action.
Unfortunately for Estevao, this scenario is far from new. Since Alonso’s appointment as head coach, the Brazilian has been unable to secure a starting position in any of the eight Premier League matches. So far this season, he has only played 172 minutes, with 125 of those occurring in prior rounds of the EFL Cup against Luton Town and Leeds United. Even during Chelsea’s high-scoring 6-3 win against Leeds, one of the two matches he started this season, he was substituted at halftime while Chelsea was trailing.
Following the defeat by Liverpool, Alonso defended his decision not to play Estevao, suggesting the forward is still adapting to the physical nature of English football. “We started with Pedro [Neto], Morgan [Rogers], and Danny Welbeck, and the game had very intense moments,” Alonso explained, noting that cramping issues forced him into substitutions. “The season is long, and there will be moments for everyone.”
When directly asked about Estevao, Alonso acknowledged his desire to play. “He could be happier. He wants to play. I’m sure Estevao will have his moment; it is my responsibility,” he said. “We know the game in England is really intense, and you need to be up for it. Estevao is in his second season. The season is going to be long.”
A major factor behind Estevao’s current situation has been the resurgence of Pedro Neto, who was once rumored to leave Chelsea only two years after joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers. Despite being linked with a move to Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, Neto chose to remain at Stamford Bridge. Alonso’s confidence in Neto has led to him earning seven starts in eight Premier League matches this season, thereby limiting Estevao’s chances.
Neto’s success, which includes scoring four goals in his last 11 appearances, has solidified his position on the right flank—Estevao’s preferred role. Estevao has primarily played as a right-sided wing-back in Alonso’s 3-4-2-1 system, but Neto’s experience and defensive capabilities have swayed Alonso’s choices in favor of the Portuguese international.
During the defeat to Liverpool, Estevao was unable to find an opportunity on the pitch despite Chelsea missing suspended player Cole Palmer and injured Joao Pedro. Former Crystal Palace forward Clinton Morrison questioned why Estevao was not utilized, stating, “How Estevao has not got on the pitch tonight, I do not know. He must be thinking, ‘What do I have to do?'”
As it stands, Estevao hopes to mirror Neto’s revival at Stamford Bridge and find a way back into Alonso’s plans.
