A shadow of concern is falling over Stamford Bridge regarding the handling of prodigious talent Estevao, the young Brazilian winger who arrived with immense expectations this summer.
Former Brazil midfielder Sandro has voiced his strong disagreement with head coach Enzo Maresca’s current strategy, believing the stop-start nature of Estevao’s appearances is detrimental to his development and confidence.
Estevao has already flashed brilliance in the Champions League, contributing three assists in just five matches, showcasing a skill set that has marked him as one of the world’s most promising young players.
However, his Premier League opportunities have been limited, with only six starts in sixteen games, and a particularly disheartening nine-minute cameo against Everton followed by exclusion from the squad for a recent cup tie.
Sandro argues that a player of Estevao’s caliber needs consistent playing time to flourish, drawing a parallel to the experience of Gareth Bale during his time at Tottenham – a player who thrived on regular involvement.
“You have an amazing player, and then you stop playing him,” Sandro stated, emphasizing the potential damage to Estevao’s self-belief. “His confidence will go away if he’s constantly sidelined.”
The concern isn’t simply about Chelsea’s immediate benefit; Sandro believes regular football is crucial for Estevao’s growth and his future contributions to the Brazilian national team.
While acknowledging the modern game’s emphasis on rotation, former Chelsea star Pat Nevin offers a more nuanced perspective, suggesting the current situation is manageable for a young player adapting to a new league.
Nevin points to the increased squad sizes and the availability of five substitutes as factors that allow for more strategic player management, lessening the immediate pressure on Estevao to start every match.
However, Nevin concedes that this tolerance will likely diminish as Estevao matures, predicting that the winger will demand a consistent starting role within the next year if he continues to progress at his current rate, mirroring the expectations of a player like Cole Palmer.
The situation presents a delicate balance for Maresca: nurturing a generational talent while managing the demands of a competitive Premier League season. The coming months will be critical in determining the best path forward for Estevao and Chelsea.
