Brazil’s games this international break are in Australia and India, and yet Estevao may not mind travelling to the other side of the world. He knows, at least, that he stands a chance of receiving more minutes for his country than he has for his club so far this season.
Estevao has received a grand total of 23 minutes from Xabi Alonso for Chelsea in the Premier League, a figure that does not include stoppage time.
In their five league fixtures, his contribution can be summarised thusly: 83rd-minute substitute, unused substitute, 81st-minute substitute, 86th-minute substitute, 87th-minute substitute with his team already trailing by two goals to Brentford.
That has led to talk back in his homeland of Estevao feeling frustrated, which would be understandable. Reports in Brazil have even hinted he is considering his future at the club and there would be no shortage of suitors for the 19-year-old, despite Chelsea insisting he is a prospect who very much features in their long-term plans.
Some sources close to the player shot down talk of him being disillusioned to Daily Mail Sport, insisting the season is long and there is confidence he will have fairer opportunities to impress.
Others, however, have said there is surprise at how he has been restricted from finding any rhythm under Alonso. One contact in Brazil said simply: ‘Xabi appears not to love him.’
Estevao has been limited to just 23 minutes of Premier League action by new manager Xabi Alonso so far this season
Reports in Brazil have even hinted Estevao is considering his future at the club – there would be no shortage of suitors for the 19-year-old
Estevao himself showed some understanding when speaking while away with Brazil this week, saying: ‘We have quality players at Chelsea, so what I do is focus on what I can control. I try to give my best in training. When I get an opportunity, I try to give my best. It goes day after day.’
Estevao has recovered from the hamstring tear suffered in April which brought a premature end to last season and saw his World Cup dream dashed. That was a tough blow for the teenager to take.
Any hopes of going on a run with Chelsea have been restricted with Cole Palmer and new signing Morgan Rogers forming a formidable front three with Joao Pedro. Pedro Neto has largely impressed as a right wing-back in Alonso’s 3-4-2-1 set-up, a position where Estevao may also have to share some of the responsibility himself.
Away at Arsenal, the Brazilian came close to scoring a late equaliser after coming on while Chelsea trailed 2-1, denied brilliantly by David Raya.
It won him a starting place in their Carabao Cup clash with Leeds a few days later. However, he struggled and was hooked at half-time alongside three others as Chelsea came back from 1-0 down at the break to win 6-3.
A lack of European football means impressing in cup competitions is crucial if Estevao wants to play more in the Premier League. Yet he is not alone in his predicament. Indeed, he may not be the only winger concerned by his lack of opportunities under Alonso at Chelsea.
Jamie Gittens – a £52million signing from Borussia Dortmund in 2025 – has been an unused substitute in all five of Chelsea’s Premier League games this season. He too started against Leeds in the Carabao Cup, and he too was hooked at half-time.
Roma were interested in Gittens in the summer. Chelsea insisted he was not for sale because he was an important part of their own plans. We have not seen the evidence to back up those words as of yet.
Estevao’s minutes have been limited by the arrival of Morgan Rogers, who has formed a formidable front three with Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer
The international breaks offers an opportunity for Estevao – who missed the World Cup through injury – to stake a claim for more chances back at Chelsea
Geovany Quenda – a £44m arrival from Sporting this summer – has likewise had limited opportunities. He has not started in any competition this season, appearing just twice as a substitute.
When players return from injury – Joao Pedro, Moises Caicedo, Reece James and Marco Palestra all missed Chelsea’s last trip to Brentford – some of these wide men may miss out on Alonso’s match-day squad altogether.
They would then risk falling out of sight and out of mind, much like Emmanuel Emegha and Aaron Anselmino, both of whom have only made one matchday squad all season, each acting as unused substitutes in the Carabao Cup against Luton Town. Anselmino was missing when the Chelsea squad posed for their picture, released last week.
Yet Estevao has attracted more attention than most because his potential is so obvious. Signed for a total package worth £51m from Brazilian club Palmeiras on a pre-agreement for when he turned 18, he showed his worth at times in Enzo Maresca’s 4-2-3-1.
Alonso’s 3-4-2-1 is leaving little room for his inclusion, but this international break could be good for him, as a way to try to take the opportunities that Carlo Ancelotti will allow him.
