Estevao ready to make his mark as Chelsea opportunities remain limited

Estevao says he is concentrating on improving his performances and making the most of every opportunity as competition for attacking places continues to limit his Chelsea playing time under head coach Xabi Alonso.

The 19-year-old Brazilian has made only four substitute appearances in the Premier League this season, totalling 23 minutes. His only starts have come in the Carabao Cup, leaving him yet to reproduce the influence he had during his breakthrough campaign at Stamford Bridge last season.

Chelsea’s depth in attack has made regular first-team football difficult to secure. Alonso has generally selected a front three of Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and new signing Morgan Rogers, who have scored 10 goals between them despite Chelsea making an inconsistent start to the Spaniard’s time in charge.

Speaking while on international duty with Brazil, Estevao accepted that managers use different tactical approaches. He said his focus was on the elements of his game he could control.

“I think every coach has their own way of playing,” Estevao said. “Of course, we work every day, 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. It goes day after day.”

Estevao joined Chelsea from Palmeiras in 2025 and quickly emerged as one of the brightest aspects of an otherwise disappointing campaign for the club.

His first season included a stoppage-time winner against reigning Premier League champions Liverpool and a spectacular solo goal in Chelsea’s 3-0 Champions League victory over Barcelona.

He ended that campaign with eight goals in 36 appearances across all competitions, earning popularity among Chelsea supporters.

His chances have been more limited this season, although Chelsea have continued to pose a significant attacking threat despite defensive problems. Alonso’s side have scored 18 goals in seven matches, with Joao Pedro, Palmer and Rogers becoming key figures in the attack.

Estevao’s most recent appearance came in the 3-0 defeat by Brentford last Friday. He came on with three minutes of normal time remaining, by which point Chelsea were already 2-0 behind. Brentford scored again before the final whistle.

The winger says he will not dwell on his restricted involvement and will instead keep working while waiting for further chances.

“I try to seize every opportunity I have, I try to control everything I can and I leave it in God’s hands and I trust myself a lot too,” he said.