The Aporia
The Aporia
Smith, D. (2026, October 2). Chelsea legend issues verdict on star amid struggle for games under Xabi Alonso. Evening Standard. https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-fc-esteveao-hasselbaink-b1299326.html
Smith, Dom. “Chelsea legend issues verdict on star amid struggle for games under Xabi Alonso.” Evening Standard, 2 Oct. 2026, https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-fc-esteveao-hasselbaink-b1299326.html.
Smith, Dom. “Chelsea legend issues verdict on star amid struggle for games under Xabi Alonso.” Evening Standard, October 2, 2026. https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-fc-esteveao-hasselbaink-b1299326.html.
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Claude Makelele, a former Chelsea legend, has expressed his desire to see Pedro Estevao play more often this season. Since Xabi Alonso took over as manager in July, the young Brazilian player's game time has decreased significantly despite his impressive performances last year under previous managers Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior. In the current Premier League campaign, Estevao hasn't made a single start; his longest appearance was nine minutes off the bench during Chelsea’s 2-1 loss to Arsenal in September.
Estevao's frustration is compounded by the presence of new signings like the £117 million Morgan Rogers and fellow Brazilian Joao Pedro, who have claimed spots in Chelsea's starting lineup. Currently, Estevao is with the Brazil national team preparing for a friendly match against India scheduled for October 28th in Kolkata.
Makelele believes that Estevao’s creativity and bravery on the pitch make him an essential player for Chelsea despite their strong front three of Rogers, Palmer, and Pedro. He questions why the club can't accommodate a fourth attacking option to maximize its talent pool.
