A year after announcing himself with a dramatic stoppage-time winner against Liverpool, Brazilian forward Estevao finds himself relegated to the fringes of Xabi Alonso's Chelsea squad. The 19-year-old, who joined from Palmeiras last summer, was left entirely unused as the Blues exited the Carabao Cup on penalties at Anfield following a 1-1 draw in which Morgan Rogers' opener was swiftly cancelled out by Cody Gakpo. Estevao cut an isolated figure midway through the second half when Alonso turned to a triple change—including a debut for Strasbourg recruit Emanuel Emegha—taking Chelsea's tally to five substitutions and prompting the Brazilian to abandon his warm-up and return to the dugout.
The midweek cup snub continues an underwhelming campaign for the teenager, who has collected just 172 minutes of action and has failed to start any of Chelsea's eight Premier League matches under Alonso. His only two starts across all competitions came in earlier EFL Cup victories over Luton Town and Leeds United, though he was withdrawn at half-time while trailing 1-0 during the eventual 6-3 thriller against Daniel Farke's side. Estevao's complete omission at Anfield baffled television pundit Clinton Morrison, who questioned how the youngster remained on the bench despite injuries to Joao Pedro and a suspension for Cole Palmer.
Estevao's primary hurdle to regular minutes has been the resurgence of Pedro Neto on the right flank. The 26-year-old Portuguese international, who was linked with a switch to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli before penning a new six-year contract, has tallied four goals in 11 outings and started seven league games. Neto has established himself as a wing-back in Alonso's 3-4-2-1 setup, providing defensive solidity and top-flight experience. Former Reading midfielder Jobi McAnuff told Sky Sports that Estevao is a "victim of the system," noting that Alonso expects his hybrid wing-backs to push high while fulfilling rigorous defensive obligations that do not appear to suit the Brazilian.
Alonso defended his selection approach after the Liverpool loss, pointing to the physical demands of English football and revealing that cramps suffered by Malo Gusto forced his hand with changes. Acknowledging Estevao's frustration, the manager noted that the forward "could be happier" and wants to play, but reiterated that his opportunity will arrive over a demanding campaign. As Chelsea push forward, Estevao will be desperate to follow the example set by Neto and successfully revive his Stamford Bridge career.