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Chelsea's Carabao Cup exit against Liverpool on Wednesday provided plenty of reasons for frustration, but one of the most discussed topics involved a player who never even stepped onto the field.
All eyes had been on young Brazilian Estêvão. The 19-year-old has struggled for playing time in Xabi Alonso's 3-4-2-1 system, but Wednesday presented not just a tactical shift, but also an additional opening due to Cole Palmer's suspension. The vast majority of supporters considered a starting berth for Estêvão to be virtually guaranteed.
Not only did Estêvão start the match on the bench, but the only time he emerged from the dugout was for a brief warm-up, greeted by chants of Steve-O from a fanbase that is becoming increasingly worried about his predicament.
With transfer speculation intensifying as the January window draws closer, just what is happening with Estêvão?
An Awkward Fit
Unless you have been completely out of the loop over the past couple of years, you will already know who Estêvão is. He made his Palmeiras debut at just 16 and was swiftly labeled one of the most thrilling young talents on the planet. That label gets overused these days, but few could argue it was anything but accurate when applied to the Brazilian.
Throughout his career to date, Estêvão has operated as a right winger. That was the role he filled at Palmeiras and under former Chelsea managers Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.
The major issue this season is that Alonso's system simply has no place for traditional wingers.
His 3-4-2-1 relies on two inside forwards operating behind a lone striker, with width delivered by a pair of wing backs. On the right side, Pedro Neto has filled that role, with his defensive contributions proving just as vital to the team as his attacking output this season.
"But wait! Estêvão actually wants to play as an inside forward! Surely there's no problem?"
Estêvão has publicly stated that he envisions his future as a central attacking midfielder rather than a winger. There are two such positions in Alonso's system... but they happen to be occupied by the club's talisman and their record signing.
Palmer and Morgan Rogers are essentially nailed-on starters as dual No. 10s, leaving Estêvão to pick up whatever scraps remain. Palmer's suspension appeared to open the door for Estêvão, only for Alonso to shift to a formation that no longer required even a single attacking midfielder.
Consequently, Estêvão went unused. Again. He has accumulated just 172 minutes across all competitions so far — coincidentally the exact same figure he clocked up for Brazil during the three matches of the September-October international break.
His Relationship With Xabi Alonso
Estêvão's circumstances are so troubling that supporters have been left bewildered. He may not be the complete package yet, but he is arguably Chelsea's most electrifying forward and someone capable of influencing games against any opposition.
That bewilderment has inevitably fueled speculation about his relationship with Alonso, whose minimal use of Estêvão throughout a season that has already disappointed is genuinely difficult to comprehend.
In reality, there have been few concrete signs of a falling out between Alonso and Estêvão — at least nothing that goes beyond the natural frustration that accompanies limited game time.
"He could be happier," Alonso admitted following the Liverpool defeat. "He wants to play. I'm sure Estê will have his moment, it is my responsibility. We know the game in England is really intense, and you need to be up for it. Estê is in his second season. The season is going to be long."
Alonso clearly harbors reservations about Estêvão's physical robustness. The teenager is not renowned for his strength, and it appears the Chelsea head coach is placing growing emphasis on a player's ability to compete beyond just technical ability.
What Does the Future Hold?
This is the question that worries Chelsea supporters most.
Estêvão needs minutes. At 19, he is at a pivotal stage of his development where consistent first-team football is essential. Right now, he is not receiving that at Chelsea, and there is little indication that the situation is about to change.
Worryingly, there would be no shortage of interested clubs if Estêvão chose to seek a move. Paris Saint-Germain have been strongly linked, and a lengthy queue of potential suitors could well form outside Stamford Bridge.
The decision currently rests with Chelsea. Estêvão is contracted until 2033 and will not be leaving without the club's blessing, but the reality is that this impasse serves nobody's interests. Chelsea are watching a hugely valuable asset stagnate on the bench while his dissatisfaction grows with every game he is overlooked.
According to Fabrizio Romano, alarm bells have not yet been triggered within Chelsea. Club officials have not yet reached the conclusion that a resolution must be found when the January window opens, apparently still believing that chances will come under Alonso.
That confidence is not echoed by the Stamford Bridge faithful, who want far more for a player whose ability has rapidly made him a crowd favorite. Supporters will keep singing Steve-O in the hope that, before long, it will amount to more than just a touchline salute.