According to Goal, Gus Poyet is concerned that Chelsea's new tactical system will restrict Estêvao's play and could even see him repeat the fate of Hudson-Odoi, who was asked to play in an unfamiliar left-back position.

Last season, Estêvao joined Chelsea from Palmeiras at a high price shortly after turning 18. Thanks to his outstanding ability to change the course of the game, the South American talent earned the nickname "Little Messi" from fans.

Before unfortunately ending his first season in West London due to a hamstring injury, Estêvao fully showcased his technical abilities. This injury also affected his dreams of an early World Cup 2026 call-up. He scored 8 goals in 36 appearances and thrilled the stands on numerous occasions.

Under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea prefers to use a system without traditional wingers.

It was initially expected that Estêvao would continue developing after adapting to Premier League football, but following the managerial change at Chelsea, the club's tactical philosophy also shifted. The new manager currently favors a system with three center-backs, four midfielders, and three forwards.

England internationals Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers occupy two attacking midfield positions behind João Félix, leaving no traditional winger role in the team. Estêvao previously felt most comfortable on the right flank.

The manager has already shown tactical creativity by pushing right-backs into central midfield and asking Portuguese winger Pedro Neto to play as a left-back. Former Chelsea player Hudson-Odoi was similarly asked for such an adjustment under Thomas Tuchel and eventually left the club.

Estêvao is reluctant to take on too many defensive duties, as his strength lies in attacking play. When asked whether 19-year-old Estêvao could suffer from being misused, Chelsea legend Gus Poyet told Goal: "One hundred percent he will suffer. But Hudson-Odoi went through a similar situation. Remember when Tuchel tried to use a five-back system and the wingers played as left-backs? We all know Hudson-Odoi was completely uncomfortable. He left later because he didn't want to play left-back. He's a winger."

"For a while I was glad something like this didn't happen to Estêvao. But then I thought Pedro Neto had the same problem. I haven't seen him very happy. The other day we saw Reece James on the pitch call him back, telling him: 'Come back, mate, you're a left-back.' Pedro Neto could think: 'I have to play there because if I don't play in this position, I won't get a chance to play.' That's the current situation."

"But they really do need to adapt. This is something Enzo needs to think about too. He definitely needs to keep exploring attacking methods."

"The goals they score are incredible, and the chances they create are wonderful. But they clearly still need to improve defensively—conceding too many goals in two games is a balance issue. When you win 4-3, everyone's happy; but when you start losing 2-3, everyone says: 'They conceded too many goals.' They also scored 3, so we'll have to wait and see."

Estêvao came off the bench in Chelsea's opening match of the new season, replacing Palmer, and earned 7 minutes of playing time as the team beat neighbours Fulham 3-2. He then started in the second round of the League Cup against Luton Town.

Given the club's high regard for him, Estêvao should receive plenty of playing time this season. But he may struggle to displace Palmer and Morgan Rogers, and he will likely be unwilling to play left-back, meaning the manager needs to solve the problem of keeping all players satisfied.

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

Переведено ИИ.

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