According to Goal, Gus Poyet is concerned that Chelsea's new tactical system will limit Estêvão's performance and could repeat Hudson-Odoi's fate by asking him to play as an unfamiliar wing-back.

Last season, Estêvão joined Chelsea from Palmeiras at a high price after turning 18. Given his exceptional ability to change games, the South American talent earned the nickname "Little Messi" from supporters.

Estêvão fully demonstrated his technical characteristics before unfortunately ending his first season in West London with a hamstring injury. The injury also affected his hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup earlier than planned. He scored 8 goals in 36 appearances and repeatedly thrilled supporters.

Under Xabi Alonso, Chelsea tends to use a formation without traditional wingers.

The outside world initially hoped Estêvão would continue developing after adapting to Premier League life, but after Chelsea changed managers, the team's tactical approach also shifted. Xabi Alonso currently favors a system with three center-backs, four midfielders, and three forwards.

English international Palmer and Morgan Rogers occupy the two attacking midfield positions behind João Pedro, leaving no room for traditional wingers. Estêvão previously played more comfortably on the right wing.

Xabi Alonso has shown tactical creativity by moving a right-back to center midfield and asking Portuguese forward Pedro Neto to play as a wing-back. Former Chelsea player Hudson-Odoi was previously asked to make a similar adjustment by Thomas Tuchel and eventually left the club.

Estêvão is reluctant to take on excessive defensive responsibilities, as his strength lies in attacking with the ball. When asked whether the 19-year-old Estêvão could be affected if not deployed correctly, Chelsea legend Gus Poyet told Goal: "One hundred percent he will be affected. But Hudson-Odoi went through a similar situation. Do you remember when Tuchel tried to use five defenders at the back and then asked wingers to play as wing-backs? We all know Hudson-Odoi was completely unsuited to it. He left because he didn't want to play wing-back. He was a winger."

"For now, I'm pleased that the same thing hasn't happened to Estêvão. But then I think, Pedro Neto has the same problem. I don't see him too happy. The other day, we saw Reece James on the pitch calling him back and telling him: 'Come back, mate, you're a wing-back.' Pedro Neto might be thinking: 'I have to play there, because if I don't play in that position, I won't get any playing time.' That's the current situation."

"But they do need to adapt. This is also what Xabi Alonso needs to consider now. He definitely needs to keep learning offensive methods."

"The goals they're scoring are extraordinary, and the chances they're creating are beautiful. But they clearly still need to improve their defense—they're conceding too many goals across matches, which is a balance issue. When you win 4-3, everyone is happy; but when you start losing 2-3, everyone will say: 'They're conceding too many goals.' They also scored 3 goals, so we have to wait and see."

Estêvão came on as a substitute in Chelsea's opening match of the new season, replacing Palmer, and earned 7 minutes of playing time, helping the team beat neighbors Fulham 3-2. He then started in the second round of the Carabao Cup against Luton.

Given the club's high investment in him, Estêvão should see plenty of playing time this season. But he may struggle to displace Palmer and Morgan Rogers from the starting lineup, and is unlikely to be willing to play wing-back, meaning Xabi Alonso needs to find a way to keep all his players satisfied.

Chelsea currently has 6 points in the Premier League and has recruited World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to help address defensive shortcomings. The team's next match is away at defending champions Arsenal on Sunday.

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