Estevao's Chelsea Struggles Deepen as Neto's Form and Tactical Demands Limit Opportunities

Brazilian forward Estevao Willian is facing the most challenging period of his young Chelsea career, with the 19-year-old yet to start a Premier League match under head coach Xabi Alonso and seeing his pathway to the first team increasingly blocked by the resurgence of Pedro Neto.

Absent at Anfield highlights pecking order

The clearest illustration of Estevao's current standing came during Wednesday's Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. Despite Chelsea trailing after Cody Gakpo's equaliser and later playing without suspended star Cole Palmer and injured forward João Pedro, Alonso used all five substitutions without turning to the Brazilian.

Most tellingly, Estevao was warming up ahead of a triple change midway through the second half but returned to the bench when one of those substitutes was Emanuel Emegha — a summer signing from Strasbourg who had not previously featured for the club. Estevao finished the night unused as Chelsea lost on penalties.

Minimal minutes in Alonso's first season

Since Alonso's summer appointment, Estevao has started just twice across all competitions, accumulating 172 total minutes. The majority — 125 minutes — came in earlier EFL Cup rounds against Luton Town and Leeds United. In the latter, a 6-3 victory, he was withdrawn at half-time with Chelsea trailing 1-0.

He has not been named in the starting XI for any of the eight Premier League matches this season.

Alonso: "He could be happier"

After the Liverpool defeat, Alonso addressed the situation directly. "He could be happier. He wants to play. I'm sure Estevao will have his moment, it is my responsibility," the Spaniard said. "We know the game in England is really intense, and you need to be up for it. Estevao is in his second season. The season is going to be long."

Alonso also cited the physical demands of the Liverpool match, noting that Malo Gusto suffered cramps and forced early substitutions, as context for his selection decisions.

Neto's revival closes the door on the right

A primary factor in Estevao's limited opportunities is the form of Pedro Neto. The 26-year-old Portugal international, who appeared close to a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli in the summer, has started seven of eight Premier League matches under Alonso.

Neto has scored four goals in 11 appearances overall and was rewarded with a new six-year contract in November. Crucially, Alonso deploys him in a hybrid right wing-back role within a 3-4-2-1 system — a position that demands both attacking output and defensive discipline.

Former Reading midfielder Jobi McAnuff, speaking to Sky Sports, suggested the tactical requirements may not suit Estevao: "Alonso tends to play Neto in that hybrid wing-back role, expecting him to get high up the pitch as well. Maybe he doesn't feel that suits Estevao, and I don't feel it does either."

Attacking depth leaves few openings

Even beyond the right flank, Chelsea's forward options are congested. Morgan Rogers, signed for £117 million from Aston Villa, has made a spectacular start. João Pedro and Cole Palmer occupy the other advanced roles. Against Liverpool, with Palmer suspended and João Pedro injured, the absence of two first-choice attackers still did not create an opening for Estevao.

Former Crystal Palace forward Clinton Morrison expressed surprise: "How Estevao has not got on the pitch tonight, I do not know. He must be thinking, 'What do I have to do? We have injuries to two of the star players up front, and I'm still not getting on the pitch'."

What happens next

Estevao's situation mirrors Neto's own recent past — the Portuguese winger was marginalised under previous management before Alonso's arrival revitalised his career. The Brazilian, who joined from Palmeiras in summer 2024, will hope for a similar trajectory.

For now, the facts are clear: Estevao is not in Alonso's immediate Premier League plans, the tactical system favours Neto's profile on the right, and attacking depth elsewhere is substantial. Alonso insists the season is long and opportunities will come. Whether Estevao can force his way in — or whether a loan move might be considered in January — remains the central uncertainty.

How to verify

This report is based on match events and post-match comments from the Carabao Cup quarter-final at Anfield on 18 December 2024, as reported by BBC Sport. Readers can review the original article and match coverage at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cv5ynwkndw61o