Estevao was Chelsea’s match-winner against Liverpool last October. A year on, the Brazilian forward is struggling to make an impression under Xabi Alonso.
The 19-year-old joined Chelsea from Palmeiras last summer and scored with virtually the final kick when the Blues last defeated the Premier League champions. But he was an unused substitute on Wednesday as Chelsea were eliminated from the Carabao Cup by Liverpool on penalties at Anfield.
Chelsea took the lead through Morgan Rogers, before Cody Gakpo quickly equalised. As both sides searched for a winner, however, Alonso did not appear to consider Estevao.
The manager instead made a triple substitution midway through the second half, including a first appearance for Emanuel Emegha since his summer move from Strasbourg. With those changes taking Chelsea’s total to five substitutions, Estevao ended his warm-up and returned to the bench.
It was another match without minutes for a player who has not started any of Chelsea’s eight Premier League games since Alonso took charge in the summer. He has played 172 minutes this season, with 125 of them coming in EFL Cup wins over Luton Town and Leeds United.
Estevao started only one of those matches. In the 6-3 victory over Daniel Farke’s side, he was replaced at half-time with Chelsea trailing 1-0.
Asked after the defeat by Liverpool why the forward had not played, Alonso pointed to the demands of English football.
“We started with Pedro [Neto], Morgan [Rogers] and Danny Welbeck, and the game had very intense moments,” he said. “We knew it was going to be physical, and Malo [Gusto] had cramps, so we were a bit forced with substitutions. The season is going to be very long, and there will be moments for everyone.”
Alonso added: “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.”
Neto’s form adds to competition
Pedro Neto’s resurgence has been a major obstacle to Estevao’s progress. The Portugal international appeared likely to leave Chelsea only months ago and was linked with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, but stayed at Stamford Bridge.
Alonso has shown his confidence in the 26-year-old by starting him in seven of Chelsea’s eight Premier League matches. Neto has been particularly effective on the right, Estevao’s preferred position, operating as a wing-back in Alonso’s 3-4-2-1 formation.
His Premier League experience and defensive reliability appear to have worked in his favour. After scoring four goals in 11 matches, Neto signed a new six-year contract.
“He’s a player who is a little bit of a victim of the system,” former Reading midfielder Jobi McAnuff told Sky Sports. “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.”
Chelsea’s other attacking options have also limited opportunities. Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Rogers have occupied the forward positions, with Rogers making an impressive start after his £117m move from Aston Villa.
Even with Palmer suspended and Joao Pedro injured against Liverpool, Estevao was not introduced.
“How Estevao has not got on the pitch tonight, I do not know,” former Crystal Palace forward Clinton Morrison said. “He must be thinking, ‘What do I have to do?’”
Estevao will hope to revive his Chelsea career, as Neto has done.
