Chelsea decision to limit Estevao’s playing time has raised questions, with former Blues striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believing the Brazilian youngster deserves more opportunities to prove himself.
The 19-year-old arrived at Stamford Bridge from Palmeiras in the summer of 2025 and immediately showed glimpses of his enormous potential. His debut season produced eight goals and four assists before a serious hamstring injury in April brought his campaign to an early end.
Since recovering, however, Estevao has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter under Xabi Alonso. Hasselbaink believes that needs to change, arguing that Chelsea could benefit from having another attacking player capable of challenging the club’s current first-choice options.
Estevao Has Struggled for Regular Minutes at Chelsea
Estevao first season at Chelsea suggested that he could become an important player for the club.
His eight goals and four assists demonstrated his ability to contribute in the final third, while his attacking approach offered Chelsea another creative option. However, his progress was interrupted by a serious hamstring injury in April.
The injury had consequences beyond club football. Estevao also missed the opportunity to represent Brazil at this year’s World Cup.
After returning from his injury, the teenager has found it difficult to regain a regular place in Chelsea’s starting XI.
So far this season, Estevao has started only twice, with both appearances coming in the Carabao Cup. That lack of regular playing time has inevitably led to speculation about his future.
Barcelona have reportedly shown interest in the Brazilian, although Estevao is not believed to be seriously considering leaving Stamford Bridge at this stage.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink Wants More Chances for Estevao
Hasselbaink believes Chelsea should find a way to give Estevao more opportunities.
The former Chelsea striker understands that Alonso has several high-quality attacking options available. However, he does not believe that competition should prevent Estevao from getting meaningful minutes.
For Hasselbaink, Estevao brings qualities that could benefit Chelsea, particularly his creativity, confidence and willingness to take risks in attacking situations.
“I really like Estevao. I think he is a super talent. It’s a shame that he’s not in the team,” Hasselbaink said to MrQ.
The former Netherlands international pointed out that Chelsea already have three highly talented attacking players in Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers.
However, he questioned why Estevao could not become another option within the group.
“We have three very good players up front at Chelsea, Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers, but why can’t we have four? Can we put a fourth player in?” he added.
For Hasselbaink, the answer should be yes.
Estevao Could Add Healthy Competition to Chelsea’s Attack
Chelsea’s attacking options create a difficult situation for any young player trying to establish himself.
Joao Pedro, Palmer and Rogers have been trusted with important roles, leaving Estevao with limited opportunities to make an impression from the start.
Yet Hasselbaink sees competition as something that could actually strengthen Chelsea rather than weaken the existing attacking structure.
Giving Estevao more minutes would allow him to demonstrate his ability while also creating healthy competition among the forwards.
The former Chelsea striker believes that competition could push every attacking player to maintain a high level.
The situation could therefore benefit Chelsea in several ways:
- Estevao would gain valuable first-team experience.
- Chelsea would have another creative attacking option.
- Existing starters would face greater competition for their places.
- The squad could become more flexible in attacking areas.
- Estevao could continue developing after his injury setback.
Hasselbaink is particularly keen to see Estevao return to the pitch regularly.
“I would love to see Estevao on the pitch soon. I think he’s fantastic,” he said.
Hasselbaink Wants Estevao to Believe He Can Start
Beyond questioning Chelsea’s selection decisions, Hasselbaink also believes Estevao himself must have the mentality required to compete for a starting position.
The Brazilian has already demonstrated that he can produce important attacking contributions. His challenge now is to convince himself that he belongs among Chelsea’s leading attacking players.
Hasselbaink believes Estevao should not view himself simply as a backup option.
Instead, the teenager should believe he is capable of taking the place of one of Chelsea’s established attackers.
“He has to believe that he is good enough to start instead of one of those three,” Hasselbaink said.
That confidence could be particularly important for a young player returning from a serious injury.
Estevao needs regular opportunities to rebuild his rhythm and demonstrate that he can consistently perform at Chelsea’s level.
Brazil Performance Could Give Estevao a Confidence Boost
There is already a positive sign for Estevao following his limited involvement at Chelsea.
He recently started for Brazil and scored in the national team’s 4-0 victory over India. The performance could provide an important confidence boost as he looks to earn more opportunities at club level.
For Estevao, international football offers another platform to show his quality after struggling for minutes with Chelsea.
His performance for Brazil could also strengthen the argument made by Hasselbaink: the teenager needs opportunities rather than simply remaining behind Chelsea’s established attackers.
Ultimately, the decision remains with Alonso.
Chelsea have several strong options in attack, but Estevao’s talent means he cannot be overlooked indefinitely. If he can maintain his confidence and build on his performances for Brazil, the 19-year-old will have another opportunity to challenge for a larger role at Stamford Bridge.
For now, Hasselbaink’s message is clear: Estevao should believe he is good enough to compete for a starting place, while Chelsea should give him the opportunity to prove it.
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