Estevao has become a hot topic among Chelsea fans, with supporters calling for the Brazilian to be handed more starts and urging Xabi Alonso to show greater faith in his young talent.
Here at The Pride of London, we have also been calling for the youngster to receive more minutes in Chelsea blue, keeping a close eye on his involvement even while he travelled across Asia during the recent international breaks.
Even, Carlo Ancelotti agrees and wants to see more minutes.
Now, the debate has spread beyond Stamford Bridge, with Brazilian media also voicing strong criticism of Chelsea over the lack of opportunities being given to one of their country's brightest young talents.
Globo awarded Estevao a modest rating of 6.5/10 for his performance, praising his willingness to take on opponents and make things happen in possession. The outlet felt he was particularly influential during the opening stages, producing some eye-catching touches and helping Brazil create their most promising moments while Japan were in the ascendancy.
However, his influence faded after half-time, with the Chelsea youngster becoming less involved as the match progressed with the main Brazilian outlet hinting at a lack of fitness.
Tribunadoagreste was considerably less impressed, handing the winger a 5/10. While acknowledging an encouraging early effort on goal, the publication felt Estevao struggled to make an impact thereafter, suggesting that his limited minutes at Chelsea may have affected his match sharpness.
"His lack of match fitness at Chelsea seems to have hampered him."
They may have a point, with the winger needing a consistent run of minutes before the end of the year to demonstrate just how much he can develop and improve his form.
Of course, some will argue that Xabi Alonso has every right to pick the players he believes are best suited to his team. However, when results remain inconsistent, the growing calls from Chelsea supporters and those watching in Brazil for Estevao to receive more opportunities are difficult to ignore.
Whether Estevao earns a starting place against Leeds United this weekend remains to be seen, but Chelsea need to give him more opportunities if they are serious about unlocking his full potential.
He cannot be expected to make a consistent impact or prove his worth without being given the minutes to do so.
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