Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has urged manager Xabi Alonso to increase Estevao’s involvement, warning that the Brazilian winger could seek an exit at the end of the season if his lack of opportunities continues.
Strong first season followed by injury setback
Estevao arrived at Chelsea from Palmeiras in the summer of 2025 and made an immediate impact, scoring eight times and providing four assists for the London club.
- The Brazilian winger joined Chelsea from Palmeiras during the 2025 summer transfer window.
- He recorded eight goals and four assists in his first campaign for the Blues.
- A hamstring problem suffered in April interrupted his progress.
- The injury also cost him a place in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Competition limits Estevao’s minutes
Despite his earlier contribution, the 19-year-old has not secured consistent playing time under Alonso this season. He is currently behind Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro in Chelsea’s attacking hierarchy.
Mikel said the club should find a way to use the young player more frequently, even if he is not selected from the start of matches.
Mikel warns against losing a promising player
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel said Estevao had been “superb” and “brilliant” since his arrival at Chelsea.
“Perhaps he does not need to start every game, but bring him on in the second half because he is brilliant,” Mikel said. “When he gets onto the pitch, we see flashes of what he can do. He has brought us so much enjoyment, and I want to see him playing.”
- Mikel said his comments were not intended as an attack on Alonso.
- He nevertheless argued that the manager should reassess Estevao’s role.
- The former Chelsea midfielder said the club must avoid a situation in which a talented young player leaves.
“This is not criticism of Xabi Alonso, but it is something he needs to consider,” Mikel said. “We have a young player, and the last thing we want is for him to leave the club. There are rumours that he is frustrated and wants to go. We do not want that to happen.”
