Chelsea supporters have been demanding more playing time for Estevao under manager Xabi Alonso, and performance data indicates the fans have a valid point. Alonso, 44, kept the 19-year-old on the bench during a penalty shootout defeat against Liverpool at Anfield, where travelling fans chanted for the teenager in vain. Estevao has yet to start a league fixture under Alonso and has not exceeded 18 minutes in any Premier League appearance this term. The young forward has played 172 minutes for Brazil this season, matching his total playing time across all competitions for Chelsea.
Following the match, Alonso attributed his substitutions to injuries, though he did use Emmanuel Emegha. When asked about Estevao handling the physical demands of English football, the Chelsea manager stated, “Yes, we know that the Premier League and the game in England is really intense. You need to be up for it. Este has played, for sure, it's his second season. But he had the injury and he's in that process. Trust me, I'm sure the season is going to be long and Este is going to play his role.”
Opta statistics indicate that Estevao warrants more opportunities. Since debuting in August 2025, the forward has started 22 matches across all competitions. Chelsea won 11 of those fixtures, achieving a 50 percent win rate, compared to a 45.8 percent success rate when he is not in the starting lineup. The team averaged 2.59 goals in matches he started, outperforming the 1.63 goals scored without him.
Even when including substitute appearances, Chelsea maintain a 50 percent win rate across 44 matches featuring Estevao, versus 42.3 percent without him. The Blues average 2.07 goals when he plays, rising from 1.69 goals when he remains sidelined. Estevao has recorded eight goals and three assists in his 44 total appearances for the club. Across 1,847 minutes on the pitch, roughly equivalent to 20 full matches, he has accumulated 11 combined goals and assists.
Competition for places remains fierce, with Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers holding secure spots. Rogers contributed nine goal contributions in 11 appearances, while Palmer recorded 15 goals and six assists since Estevao debuted. Pedro Neto also produced 14 goals and 11 assists in that same period. Despite playing roughly 1,400 fewer minutes than Palmer, Estevao completed more dribbles, registered more touches inside the opposition penalty area, and delivered more successful crosses, though Palmer leads in shots taken and chances created.
Estevao scored in three consecutive Champions League fixtures last winter, highlighted by a late winner against Barcelona. However, following four managerial changes and various injuries over the past 11 months, his career at Chelsea faces uncertainty.
