Chelsea: Estevao sends timely reminder as Xabi Alonso waits for Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro updates | OneFootball

The perfect response from the Brazilian after a frustrating start to the season

Estevao has sent Xabi Alonso a timely reminder of his qualities, as the Chelsea manager sweats over the fitness of Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro.

After a frustrating start to the season at club level, the extended autumn international break arrived at the ideal time for Estevao.

The 19-year-old featured in Brazil’s double-header against Australia last month, starting the first game which ended in a draw, and needed just 45 minutes to leave his mark against India on Saturday.

Estevao scored one and created another for Pedro Guilherme to give Brazil a 2-0 lead at half time in Kolkata, on the occasion of the Salt Lake Stadium hosting its first ever football match.

That is now six goals in 13 and a half senior appearances for Estevao in a Brazil shirt, potentially playing his way into the Chelsea lineup against Bournemouth next weekend as Premier League action resumes.

The teenager has not made a single start for Chelsea in the league this season, with Alonso opting to go with his new-look front three of Palmer, Joao Pedro and summer signing Morgan Rogers.

Estevao was Brazil’s star man in the first half against India

AFP/Getty

However, with Palmer withdrawing from the England squad and Joao Pedro receiving treatment from a specialist for a knee injury, there could be an opening for Estevao when Bournemouth visit Stamford Bridge.

Speaking last week at a press conference in Brisbane about his lack of game time, the Brazilian wonderkid said: “I think every coach has their own way of playing.

"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.

“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.”