**Chelsea legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes manager Xabi Alonso should consider starting Estevao alongside Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers.**
The Brazilian has struggled for game time in the opening weeks of the season, prompting speculation about his future, but Hasselbaink thinks there could be a way of getting all four on the pitch at the same time:
“I’m a big lover of Estevao. I think he’s a super talent. For him not being in the team, it’s a pity. I would like him to be in the team because he creates and he plays with guts.”
“Don’t get me wrong, we have got up front three really good players for Chelsea in Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers, but why can we not have four? Can we get the fourth one in?”
“I’d love to see Estevao on the pitch soon. I think he’s exceptional. He must believe that he’s good enough to start ahead of the main three. He has to think that he can, because he needs to play. He needs to push them. And that’s only going to be the best thing for the team too, if he pushes them. I think he can do it. But he has to believe it himself.”
For Hasselbaink’s plan to work, it would necessitate a permanent switch back to a 4-3-3 system. Palmer has plenty of experience playing as a no.10, and that would leave a gap for Estevao to get minutes on the right.
Of course, Alonso may not be willing to throw away his preferred 3-4-3 just to accommodate one player. Adding another attacker to the mix could also be counterproductive if he is prioritising more clean sheets, with the Blues having conceded 12 in their first 5 league games this campaign.
Could Estevao leave Stamford Bridge?
------------------------------------
Reports in the Spanish media have already [**linked**](https://chelseanews.com/blog/chelsea-transfer-news-estevao-2/) the 19-year-old with Barcelona, although the player himself is still believed to be happy in London.
However, if Alonso continues to leave Estevao on the bench, that stance could change. As Hasselbaink says, it would be a massive shame if the player’s talent is wasted, so finding a solution that satisfies all parties is crucial.