Estevao Manchester United display — Estevao’s Manchester United display was the clearest reminder yet of what the 19-year-old can bring to Chelsea. After being handed his first Premier League start of the season by Xabi Alonso, the Brazilian produced the kind of performance that had supporters wondering why he had waited so long for the opportunity.
A statement performance at Stamford Bridge
Estevao did not get the goal his efforts deserved. He had the ball in the net twice, including a sharp near-post finish that was later ruled out by VAR for offside, but neither counted. What the scoreline could not show was the sheer volume of his involvement.
No player on the pitch had more shots or more touches in the opposition box. His tally of 12 touches inside the United area was higher than any Chelsea player has managed in a Premier League game this season, including Joao Pedro. The home crowd at Stamford Bridge responded with a reception that underlined how much they had wanted to see him.
Alonso was quick to acknowledge the response. The Chelsea manager said Estevao had produced the best reaction of anyone, showing that he was prepared and deserved more minutes. Alonso also noted that the winger had needed time to build up his physical condition after an injury-hit first season at the club, and he praised his work off the ball against United, pointing out that he fought hard and was tired by the end.
Physical gains and a growing partnership
The outing was only the second time Estevao has played more than 75 minutes in a Premier League match. Tracking data showed he reached his highest totals for high-speed runs and running distance, a sign that he is getting fitter and stronger.
His link-up with Cole Palmer was another encouraging element. The pair exchanged 16 passes against United, far more than the two Palmer managed with Pedro Neto in his previous start against Tottenham. Chelsea’s attacking emphasis also shifted noticeably: the share of attacks down the right rose from 36 per cent to 52 per cent, with Estevao supported by Josh Acheampong at right-back as well as Palmer.
Palmer had told Estevao before his arrival last summer that they would do great things together. Injuries have limited their time on the pitch, and Chelsea won only one of the seven games they both started last season, but the United performance offered a glimpse of what the partnership could become.
Competition for places remains fierce
Estevao’s underlying numbers have been strong even when his goal and assist totals have not reflected it. His combined average of 0.55 expected goals and expected assists per 90 minutes is the second-highest among Chelsea players since the start of last season, behind only Joao Pedro. Across 29 Premier League appearances he has two goals and two assists, but the data suggests he has been unfortunate not to have more.
Whether Alonso trusts him for a more physically demanding trip to Sunderland on Sunday remains to be seen. Joao Pedro’s return from injury will increase competition in the attack, and Neto has earned praise from Alonso for his performances on the right, with three goals and an assist in the Premier League this season. The Brazilian has also been affected by Chelsea’s failure to qualify for Europe, having scored three goals in seven Champions League appearances in his first season.
Even so, finding a way to include Estevao more often should be a priority for Alonso after a timely reminder of his quality.
