Xabi Alonso issues Estevao challenge as Chelsea starlet sees playing time reduced | OneFootball

New Blues boss has handed young Brazilian fewer opportunities than his predecessors

Xabi Alonso insists Estevao is in his plans and has challenged the Brazilian to continue applying himself even when not starting regularly for Chelsea.

Estevao has had a reduced level of game time at the start of Alonso’s first season when compared with last season under previous head coaches in Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.

Estevao came off the bench and almost earned Chelsea a 2-2 draw away to Arsenal on Sunday but saw his goalbound shot, which was heading for the top corner, tipped over the crossbar by David Raya.

Some reports in Brazil have suggested Estevao is unhappy about his lack of minutes at Chelsea.

“No, Este is ready, he's training well,” Alonso said on Tuesday.

Estevao has discussed his role with Xabi Alonso

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“[On Sunday], he had a very good impact, he has a great chance. So he's fully involved and with a very good attitude every day.”

Asked whether the teenager has an important role to play for Chelsea this term, Alonso replied: “Yeah, with Este, 100 per cent, because of his potential, because he's so young but he's in that process to adapt and to learn quickly. And the season is going to be long.”

Alonso effectively admitted he and Estevao have spoken about the Brazilian’s status under the new manager, but said: “Private conversations should remain private.

“The players that have the desire and the hunger to prove and to show every day that they are up for the challenge, it's what we want to create here in the building.

“And Este is part of it. So he has had a very good attitude, very good mentality to prepare every game and to be ready for the team.”