Estêvão’s recent international run with Brazil did more than give him valuable minutes; it offered a glimpse of just how adaptable he could become. More importantly, it highlighted a quality Xabi Alonso is likely to value highly, and that is, his ability to make an impact in different roles.
Starting on the right against Australia before being shifted into a central role for the game against India, Brazil effectively used the trip to test him in two very different positions, and that versatility is worth paying close attention to back at Chelsea.
Operating on the right is familiar territory, it's where Estevao has done most of his best work, cutting inside off the flank and looking to create in tight spaces. However, that position is not available in Chelsea’s current formation with only a right wing-back providing the width.
The India game presented a completely different challenge, moving him into a central role where spacing, decision-making and link-up play become even more important. He responded with a goal and an assist in the finale in Kolkata, making it his best performance of the three. Playing centrally requires a different rhythm, with more frequent touches in congested areas and less reliance on isolating a full-back in one-on-one situations.
For Chelsea, his versatility could prove important. Xabi Alonso has demonstrated that he is open to changing his attacking setup, making a player who can perform on the wing or in a central role a valuable asset compared to someone restricted to one position.
If Estevao can carry what he learned playing centrally for Brazil into his club football, it widens his usefulness in a Chelsea squad that's been searching for attacking balance all season.
It's also a sign of the trust Brazil's coaching staff already have in him, more than Chelsea's may seem. Shifting a young player into an unfamiliar central role during a short international window isn't something done lightly, it suggests his coaches see the tactical intelligence to adapt quickly rather than just raw attacking talent.
That's exactly the kind of growth Chelsea fans should want to see translating into Estevao's game at club level too.
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