EPL: Mikel urges Alonso to give ‘frustrated’ Chelsea star more minutes before he leaves

Former Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel has called on manager, Xabi Alonso to give ‘frustrated’ Estevao more playing time to ensure the Brazilian doesn’t leave the club at the end of the season.

Estevao joined Chelsea from Palmeiras in the summer of 2025 and went on to score eight goals and register four assists for the Blues.

The winger later sustained a hamstring injury in April and missed out on a place in Brazil’s squad at the 2026 World Cup.

However, Estevao has failed to get regular game time under Alonso so far this season.

The 19-year-old is down the pecking order in Alonso’s choice of forwards at Chelsea as he is behind the likes of Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro.

Speaking on the development, Mikel said on The Obi One Podcast, “I just think what Estevao did last season since joining the football club, he’s been superb, he’s been brilliant.

“Okay, maybe don’t start him in games. But bring him on in the second half because he is brilliant.

“We can see glimpses of that when he comes on the pitch; he’s given us so much joy so I want to see him play.

“Not a criticism of Xabi Alonso, but it’s something that he needs to look at. We have a young player; the last thing we want to see him do is to leave the football club.

“There are rumours now that he’s frustrated and wants to leave the club. We don’t want to see that.”