Brazilian football media have expressed frustration over Estêvão’s current position in the Chelsea pecking order, with the teenage star finding opportunities limited during the opening weeks of the season.
The 19-year-old has been competing for attacking positions alongside Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and João Pedro, while he has also been used as an option at right wing-back, where Pedro Neto has featured in Xabi Alonso’s system.
The situation comes after Chelsea suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, with Jaidon Anthony, Igor Thiago and Fabio Carvalho scoring after half-time to extend the Blues’ winless Premier League run to three matches.
Estêvão’s current roles, however, are not necessarily the positions where he made his biggest impact after joining Chelsea. The Brazilian primarily operated as a winger last season and was occasionally deployed as a No.10, while neither position is a direct fit for Alonso’s preferred 3-4-3 structure.
Despite his limited starts in the Premier League, Estêvão has still featured in six of Chelsea’s seven matches in all competitions so far.
He started both of the club’s League Cup fixtures and has generally been introduced late during Premier League matches. Naturally, regular Premier League minutes remain the priority for the young Brazilian, but competition for places has been intense.
Palmer, Rogers and João Pedro have all made strong contributions during the opening stages of the campaign, although João Pedro’s recent injury and Chelsea’s defeat to Brentford have disrupted that attacking momentum.
With the season still in its early stages, there have already been suggestions of potential frustration surrounding Estêvão, including speculation about a possible transfer or loan move if his opportunities remain limited.
However, the Brazilian himself has offered little indication that he is concerned.
Speaking while away with the Brazil national team, Estêvão adopted a notably calm approach when asked about his situation at Chelsea.
I think every coach has their own style of play. Of course, we work hard every day — I give my best every day, and that’s what I do.
Estêvão said.
We have quality players at Chelsea, so I focus on what I can control: I try to give my all in training and when I get an opportunity to play.
I take it one day at a time. I try to make the most of every opportunity I get; I try to control what I can and leave the rest in God’s hands, and I also have a lot of confidence in myself.
The response reflects the patience expected from a player still adapting to a new club, league and tactical system.
Estêvão arrived at Chelsea with significant expectations and remains one of the most exciting young talents in Brazilian football. His ability to operate in different attacking positions could ultimately prove valuable to Alonso as the season progresses.
For now, the youngster appears focused on earning his opportunities rather than becoming distracted by speculation surrounding his role.
Chelsea still have a long campaign ahead, and with injuries, rotation and the demands of competing across multiple competitions likely to create further opportunities, Estêvão will have plenty of time to establish himself.
The immediate challenge is therefore less about his position in the pecking order and more about ensuring that whenever Alonso calls upon him, he is ready to make an impact.
