বৃহস্পতিবার, ২৯ অক্টোবর ২০২৬, ০৭:৪১ পূর্বাহ্ন
One of the main reasons behind Estevao’s exile has been the form of Pedro Neto.
It was only a couple of months ago that Portugal international Neto looked destined to leave Chelsea, only two years after joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The 26-year-old was linked with a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, but he ultimately remained at Stamford Bridge.
That decision appears to have been influenced by Alonso, who has underlined his faith in Neto by handing him seven starts in eight Premier League matches this season.
His success out on the right – which also happens to be Estevao’s favoured position – has meant opportunities have been few and far between for the Brazilian.
He has primarily been deployed as a right-sided wing-back in Alonso’s 3-4-2-1 system, with his Premier League experience and greater defensive solidity compared to Estevao seemingly winning over the Spaniard.
After an impressive start to the campaign, in which he has scored four goals in 11 matches, Neto was rewarded with a new six-year deal at Stamford Bridge.
“He’s a player who is a little bit of a victim of the system,” former Reading midfielder Jobi McAnuff told Sky Sports.
“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.”
One area that has not been a problem for the Blues this season is attack, with the forward positions firmly in the hands of Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Rogers, who has made a spectacular start to life at Stamford Bridge following his £117m move from Aston Villa.
Against Liverpool, though, Estevao couldn’t even get a look-in despite Chelsea being without the suspended Palmer and the injured Joao Pedro.
“How Estevao has not got on the pitch tonight, I do not know,” said former Crystal Palace forward Clinton Morrison.
“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’.”
Estevao will be hoping he can follow in the footsteps of Neto and revive his Stamford Bridge career.
