Just a year after scoring a dramatic winner against Liverpool, Estevao is struggling to break into Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea side. The 19-year-old Brazilian forward has found himself sidelined and facing an uphill battle for playing time at Stamford Bridge.
Limited Opportunities and Carabao Cup Disappointment
Estevao was absent from the pitch on Wednesday night as Chelsea exited the Carabao Cup following a penalty shootout defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. Although Morgan Rogers gave the Blues an early lead, Cody Gakpo equalized for the hosts, and Alonso opted against calling upon Estevao as both sides chased a winner in the second half.
The teenager’s position in the manager’s plans became evident midway through the second half when Alonso made a triple substitution, bringing on Emanuel Emegha for his first appearance since arriving from Strasbourg over the summer. Moments after that change completed Chelsea’s quota of five substitutions, Estevao stopped his warm-up and returned to the bench without seeing any action.
The situation at Anfield mirrored Estevao’s broader struggles this campaign. He has not featured in the starting XI for any of the eight Premier League fixtures since Alonso took charge, accumulating a total of 172 minutes on the pitch. Of those, 125 minutes came in earlier EFL Cup victories against Luton Town and Leeds United. During the 6-3 win over Leeds—one of his only two starts this season—he was substituted at half-time with his team trailing.
Alonso’s Stance and Pedro Neto’s Rise
Following the defeat to Liverpool, Alonso defended his team selection and suggested the youngster is still adapting to the physical requirements of English football. Alonso stated that the match involved intense moments and noted that physical issues, such as cramps for Malo Gusto, forced his hand with substitutions.
Addressing the forward directly, Alonso admitted, as reported by BBC Sport, “He could be happier. He wants to play. I’m sure Estevao will have his moment, it is my responsibility. 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 primary factor limiting Estevao’s chances is the resurgence of Pedro Neto. The Portugal international nearly departed Chelsea two years after arriving from Wolverhampton Wanderers, drawing interest from Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli. However, he stayed at Stamford Bridge after Alonso placed clear trust in him, handing him seven starts in eight league matches.
Neto has excelled on the right side, which is Estevao’s preferred position. Operating primarily as a right-sided wing-back in Alonso’s 3-4-2-1 formation, Neto has offered greater defensive reliability and Premier League experience, alongside four goals in 11 matches that earned him a new six-year contract.
Former Reading midfielder Jobi McAnuff explained to Sky Sports that the player suffers from the system, noting that Alonso uses Neto in a hybrid wing-back role requiring high positioning, a task that may not suit Estevao.
Chelsea’s attacking positions have otherwise been firmly secured by Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer, and Rogers, who arrived from Aston Villa for £117m. Yet even with Palmer suspended and Joao Pedro injured against Liverpool, Estevao remained unused. Former Crystal Palace forward Clinton Morrison expressed surprise on BBC Sport, remarking that the player must wonder what else he needs to do when star forwards are injured and he still cannot get onto the pitch.
Estevao will now aim to follow the path carved by Neto and turn around his career at Stamford Bridge.
