Chelsea youngster has made six appearances this season but remains behind Palmer and Rogers in Xabi Alonso’s attacking system

Brazilian football has raised fresh concerns over Estêvão’s limited playing time at Chelsea, with the highly rated teenager yet to establish himself as a regular starter under Xabi Alonso.

The 19-year-old has featured in six of Chelsea’s seven matches in all competitions this season but has accumulated only 148 minutes, starting just twice — both in the Carabao Cup.

His lack of Premier League starts has become a talking point in Brazil, particularly because Alonso’s tactical setup has created a difficult route into the starting XI for the former Palmeiras star.

Estêvão arrived at Chelsea primarily as a winger, while he also operated occasionally as a No.10 during his time in Brazil.

However, Alonso’s preferred system has largely featured two attacking midfielders behind the central striker, with Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers occupying those positions.

That has left Estêvão competing with two players who have made an impressive start to the campaign.

The Brazilian has also been considered for a wider role, including the right wing-back position, where Pedro Neto has been used. That would represent a significant tactical adjustment for a player whose greatest strengths have traditionally been his attacking instincts, dribbling and ability to take on defenders.

Reports in Brazil previously suggested that Estêvão was concerned about his reduced opportunities, although Chelsea manager Alonso moved quickly to play down any suggestion of a major problem.

Alonso said earlier this month that Estêvão remained an important part of his plans and praised the youngster’s attitude in training.

“He is totally involved, with an excellent attitude every day,” Alonso said, while explaining that the player was still adapting and learning quickly.

Estêvão has now addressed the issue himself while on international duty with Brazil in Australia.

“Each coach has their way of playing and, of course, we work every day and give our best. We have players of great quality at Chelsea, so what I do is focus on what I can control,” he said.

“I try to give my best in training, and whenever I get an opportunity, I try to give my best.”

The youngster’s comments come at an important moment in his development.

Estêvão missed Brazil’s 2026 World Cup campaign after suffering a serious hamstring injury, but has now returned to Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the September international window. Brazil are scheduled to face Australia twice before playing India in October.

His limited club minutes therefore provide an intriguing contrast with his status at international level, where he remains regarded as one of the players expected to contribute to Brazil’s next generation.

There is also a tactical argument behind his current situation.

Chelsea’s new system has reduced the need for traditional wingers, with the wing-backs providing width while Palmer and Rogers operate in the attacking midfield areas behind João Pedro. GOAL reported that former Chelsea defender Robert Huth believes Estêvão can still thrive because of his versatility and attacking ability.

The immediate issue, however, is finding him meaningful minutes.

Estêvão had a more prominent role during his first Chelsea season, making 36 appearances and scoring eight goals, despite injuries interrupting his campaign.

For now, there is no indication that Chelsea intend to move the teenager on. Instead, the focus is on how Alonso can integrate one of the club’s most expensive young talents into a system that currently favours Palmer, Rogers and João Pedro.

With the season still in its early stages, Estêvão’s response is likely to come on the pitch.

And with the Brazilian back in the national-team picture, every appearance at Chelsea could become increasingly important in determining how quickly the “starboy” can reclaim a regular place in Alonso’s plans.