Frustration brewing for Chelsea star who may be forced to play in surprise new role by Xabi Alonso

Tim Vickery revealed there is a ‘fear’ that Estevao may be forced to moonlight as a right wing-back under Xabi Alonso.

The teenage sensation featured prominently as a right winger in his dazzling debut campaign for Chelsea last term, registering eight goals and four assists.

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However, the right wing spot in Alonso’s 3-4-3 system is occupied by Cole Palmer, who is one of the first names on the team sheet.

Palmer’s presence has forced Estevao to make do with a spot on the bench, with the Brazilian named as a substitute in all three of the Blues’ Premier League fixtures to date.

His latest appearance came in the form of a nine-minute cameo during a 2-1 loss against Arsenal, where he almost quelled a rowdy Emirates Stadium with a stunning late effort that was tipped over the bar by David Raya.

And if usurping Palmer wasn’t difficult enough, Chelsea signed Morgan Rogers for an eye-watering £117million in the summer, which has provided yet another speed bump for Estevao in his quest for game time.

Such is the blocked passage to the starting line-up, it could lead to Estevao being forced into a highly unfamiliar role.

Tim Vickery explains why Estevao could play new position under Xabi Alonso

“You do wonder where he fits in Xabi Alonso‘s thinking,” Vickery said on the Trans Euro Express.

“There was a fear that came out of his camp last week that he might have to play at right wing-back.

“He doesn’t want to play at right wing-back. That’s the opposite of what he wants to do.”

Another concern for Estevao is that, under Alonso, his preferred position does not exist.

The 19-year-old harbours aspirations to play as a No. 10, but Alonso’s system uses two central midfielders who do not have the luxury of acting as an out-and-out playmaker.

Adding to Estevao’s conundrum is the fact Chelsea were willing to let the teenager roam free in his favourite position.

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“Remember, when he joined Chelsea, his agent said that the reason they chose Chelsea was because Chelsea were more open to him playing as a No. 10 than anyone else,” Vickery said.

“He wants to play in-field, he doesn’t necessarily want to be stuck out on the wing all the time.

“That was a strange undertaking for a club to make because it’s the coach that makes all the decisions, and we’re a couple of coaches on since then.”

When will Estevao return for Brazil?

Estevao’s best chance of featuring in his preferred role is likely to come during the September international break with Brazil.

The 19-year-old cruelly missed the World Cup due to a hamstring issue he sustained towards the end of last season.

But Brazil’s two friendlies against Australia will give Estevao the perfect opportunity to issue a timely reminder of what he can do when deployed in the final third.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side first take on the Socceroos in Townsville on September 25 before heading down to Brisbane for the second friendly on September 29.