Estevao’s limited Chelsea role comes into focus after Liverpool defeat

Chelsea forward Estevao has played only 172 minutes this season and was left unused in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup defeat by Liverpool, despite the absence of two of the club’s leading attackers.

The 19-year-old Brazilian, who joined from Palmeiras last summer, has not started any of Chelsea’s eight Premier League matches since Xabi Alonso took charge. He has started twice in all competitions, with 125 of his minutes coming in earlier EFL Cup wins over Luton Town and Leeds United.

Chelsea led through Morgan Rogers at Anfield before Cody Gakpo equalised. As the sides chased a winner, Alonso made five substitutions, including bringing on Emanuel Emegha, who had yet to feature for Chelsea after joining from Strasbourg. Estevao was not among them.

Alonso said the match’s physical demands and the need to manage Malo Gusto’s cramp had shaped his changes. “He could be happier. He wants to play,” he said of Estevao. “I’m sure Estevao will have his moment, it is my responsibility.”

Pedro Neto’s form is one obstacle to a regular place. The Portugal international has started seven of Chelsea’s eight league games and scored four goals in 11 matches in all competitions. He has been used in a hybrid wing-back role on the right, Estevao’s preferred position, with his Premier League experience and defensive work appearing to suit Alonso’s system.

Former Reading midfielder Jobi McAnuff told Sky Sports that Estevao was “a little bit of a victim of the system”, adding that he did not think the wing-back role suited the Brazilian. Former Crystal Palace forward Clinton Morrison, meanwhile, questioned why Estevao had not been brought on against Liverpool, with Cole Palmer suspended and Joao Pedro injured.

Alonso said the season was long and that opportunities would come. For now, Neto’s place and competition for Chelsea’s attacking roles leave Estevao waiting for a chance to turn his early promise into regular first-team minutes.