Chelsea’s decision to build their attack around Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers could make life more difficult for Brazilian youngster Estevao, but former Blues defender Robert Huth believes the highly rated teenager can still flourish at Stamford Bridge.

Estevao arrived at Chelsea from Palmeiras with huge expectations after being widely regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in South American football. The Brazilian was initially viewed as a player who would operate predominantly from the flanks, where his pace, creativity and one-on-one ability could be fully utilised.

However, Xabi Alonso’s arrival has changed the picture.

The Chelsea manager has favoured a system without traditional wingers, instead using a 3-4-3 structure in which Palmer and Rogers occupy the two attacking midfield positions behind striker Joao Pedro. That has left Estevao competing for places in a system that does not naturally provide a starting role for a conventional wide player.

Palmer and Rogers have quickly established themselves as important components of Alonso’s attack. The pair have shown that they can operate in the same team, with their movement allowing them to interchange positions and combine with Joao Pedro.

Rogers has also demonstrated his versatility since arriving at Chelsea, having previously played as a No.10, No.8 and on the flanks. The England international has welcomed the competition and believes his ability to adapt can help him and Palmer complement one another rather than compete directly for the same space.

That presents Estevao with a difficult challenge.

The 19-year-old is at a stage of his career where regular minutes are vital to his development. A prolonged spell on the bench could potentially slow his progress, particularly if Alonso continues to favour Palmer and Rogers in the positions behind Joao Pedro.

The concern is not entirely theoretical. Former Chelsea winger Gus Poyet recently warned that Estevao could face a similar problem to Callum Hudson-Odoi if he is asked to operate in an unfamiliar role. Poyet argued that the Brazilian’s natural strengths are better suited to attacking from the wing than performing the defensive responsibilities required of a wing-back.

But there is another side to the situation.

Chelsea’s new system is not necessarily as rigid as it appears. Alonso has already demonstrated a willingness to give his attacking players freedom to rotate, while Palmer, Rogers and Joao Pedro have regularly changed positions during matches.

That flexibility could eventually create an opening for Estevao.

Rather than forcing him into a traditional winger role, Alonso could use the Brazilian in one of the attacking midfield positions, particularly against opponents who sit deep and give Chelsea more space around the penalty area.

Estevao’s technical ability and creativity could also make him useful as a second-half substitute when defenders begin to tire.

Chelsea’s recent matches have shown that Alonso is willing to make tactical adjustments when necessary. Against Leeds United in the Carabao Cup, Palmer and Rogers were introduced at half-time and played major roles in a dramatic 6-3 comeback, with Palmer scoring twice and Rogers contributing heavily to the turnaround.

That performance underlined the quality of Chelsea’s attacking options, but it also highlighted the difficulty Estevao faces in forcing his way into the starting XI.

For the Brazilian youngster, however, the priority should not necessarily be displacing Palmer or Rogers immediately.

At 19, his development can still be gradual. Chelsea have a long season ahead, with domestic competitions and European football providing opportunities for rotation, injuries and tactical changes.

The challenge for Alonso will be ensuring those opportunities are meaningful enough for Estevao to continue developing.

The teenager has already shown glimpses of his potential in England, and Chelsea clearly view him as a major part of their long-term project.

Palmer and Rogers may currently stand between Estevao and a regular starting position, but they do not necessarily have to stand in the way of his development.

If Alonso can find a way to incorporate all three into his evolving system, Chelsea could eventually possess one of the most exciting attacking groups in the Premier League.

For now, though, Estevao must be patient, adapt to Alonso’s tactical demands and make every opportunity count.

The competition for places is fierce at Stamford Bridge, but for a player with his potential, the biggest challenge may not be finding a place in the team it may be convincing Alonso that the team is better with him in it.