Estêvão responds to limited Chelsea role as competition increases under Xabi Alonso

Estêvão has addressed his lack of playing time at Chelsea, insisting his focus remains on taking advantage of every opportunity Xabi Alonso gives him.

The 19-year-old has played only 148 minutes across six appearances this season, starting twice. His limited role has already created questions around his situation at Stamford Bridge, particularly after a first Chelsea campaign heavily disrupted by injuries.

Speaking while on international duty with Brazil, however, Estêvão avoided expressing frustration with Alonso and instead pointed towards the quality of Chelsea’s squad.

“Every manager has their own way of playing,” Estêvão said. “We have a lot of extremely high-quality players at Chelsea.”

Rather than questioning Alonso’s selections, the Brazilian believes his responsibility is to make an impact whenever selected.

“I focus on what I can control. When I get an opportunity, I try to give my best. With every opportunity I’ve had, I think I’ve made the most of it.”

Estêvão also stressed that he retains “a lot of confidence” in himself despite his limited minutes.

Competition is particularly intense in Chelsea’s attacking positions. Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers have established themselves as key figures, while Alonso’s system has also limited the number of natural attacking roles available.

Regular availability is another important objective after Estêvão endured five injuries during 2025/26.

Those problems reportedly kept him sidelined for 129 days and caused him to miss 24 matches, with his most significant setback ultimately costing him a place at the World Cup.

Estêvão says he has responded by putting greater emphasis on physiotherapy, nutrition, sleep and injury prevention.

“Being available is a huge joy for me, something I didn’t always have last year,” he explained. “Just being on the pitch already makes me very happy.”

Brazil could now provide the minutes he has struggled to find at Chelsea.

Estêvão has scored five times in 11 senior international appearances, with all five goals coming under Carlo Ancelotti. His immediate task is to make the most of that opportunity before returning to London and attempting to force his way further into Alonso’s plans.

Estêvão now has an opportunity to impress Ancelotti during the international break after returning to the Brazil setup.

Once back at Chelsea, the challenge will be turning his improved availability into more regular minutes as he attempts to establish himself within Alonso’s system.