Three months into the Xabi Alonso era at Chelsea, Estevao’s Premier League contribution adds up to less than one half of football. The Brazilian teenager has played five substitute cameos totalling 29 minutes, with no league starts to his name.

Saturday was another signal. Estevao was left on the substitutes’ bench as Chelsea lost 2-0 at Stamford Bridge to Tottenham, with fellow 19-year-old Geovany Quenda given a start in attack ahead of him. Cole Palmer was sent off as the hosts fell to a derby defeat.

Those around the player are described as shocked by the extent of his absence, and the mismatch is structural: Alonso’s preference for wing-backs over out-and-out wingers leaves no natural slot for a player of Estevao’s profile.

A manager who does not want wingers

The tactical fit is the backdrop to everything else. Alonso has leaned on a wing-back structure since arriving in the summer, and Estevao is not a wing-back and is not being asked to become one.

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Addressing the situation in public, Estevao told reporters at a Brazil national-team press conference last month that he was focused only on what he could control.

“I give my best every day, and that’s what I do. We have quality players at Chelsea, so what I do is focus on what I can control, I try to give my best in training, when I get an opportunity I try to give my best.”

Pat Nevin, the former Chelsea winger, was less diplomatic. The pundit told Football365 that the pairing of player and club is wrong.

“I love Estevao to bits. I think he’s absolutely fantastic. He’s going to be a great, great player, but not at Chelsea. I’ve just never seen it as a good fit. He’s not the right type for the club Chelsea are. There’s no security for any player in that position.”

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PSG line up a Kvaratskhelia stand-in

Chelsea’s stated position is unchanged. The club regard Estevao as part of their long-term project and have no plans to sanction a departure, according to the reporting out of London. That stance, however, could soften if his involvement does not change by the turn of the year.

PSG are reportedly weighing a January loan to cover for the injured Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, with Luis Enrique’s side open to taking Estevao on if Luis Campos and Nasser Al-Khelaifi agree to cover his full salary and the coach guarantees him minutes. Liverpool, who flagged their interest in the summer, are said to be eyeing a longer-term move in 2027 rather than a January swoop.

A permanent sale is not on the table. A loan until the end of the season, however, is the shape the January conversation is likely to take if the Premier League minutes stay where they are.

Chelsea’s next game is Wednesday’s Carabao Cup trip to Anfield, a competition in which Estevao has started twice already this season.

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