Estêvão’s situation at Chelsea is now being noticed in Brazil, where they are raising questions about what’s going on with the youngster.
The Brazilian looked set for a big year at Stamford Bridge this season after making waves at the club last season.
Despite the Blues’ struggles the 19-year-old finished the campaign with eight goals and four assists in 36 games in all competitions and a growing set of admirers. Some considered him unfortunate to miss out on a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad.
The belief is that he would be a regular this season, particularly under Xabi Alonso. His system is almost ideal to get the best out of players like the Brazilian.
Brazilian attention
Instead, the opposite has happened. And it’s not going unnoticed back in Brazil. UOL report on the winger today and how he ‘fades into the background’ at Chelsea this season.
So far, he’s managed just 154 minutes across seven appearances. He is yet to play more than nine minutes against any team in the Premier League. He’s had seven vs Fulham, nine vs Arsenal, four vs Hull, three vs Brentford and six vs Bournemouth.
He remained sat on the bench for the 2-0 win over Everton. The youngster has effectively become Chelsea’s ‘most expensive booster’.
Following that debut season ‘fill with praise’, the Brazilian has effectively faded into the background at Stamford Bridge. His only start came in the League Cup.
He’s the 20th most-used player in Alonso’s squad. He’s even played less minutes than back up goalkeeper Mike Penders. That will get worse as Penders is set to replace Dibu Martínez in the coming weeks.
Alonso blame
UOL state the blame lies firmly with Xabi Alonso. In fact, they state that the reduction in Estêvão’s minutes is a decision made directly by the Spanish boss.
He is prioritising using Pedro Neto on the right side of the attack – either as a wing-back or winger – the position that belonged to Estêvão last season.
The number 10 roles and attacking left positions are also currently filled by Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers. Both are considered ‘indispensable’ by Alonso. There is also the lack of European football.
That means there is less opportunity for rotation, pushing the likes of Estêvão further onto the sidelines. That’s now earning attention in his homeland. And it could spell trouble. They are unlikely to stay quiet if their prized asset continues to sit in the shadows at Stamford Bridge.
