By Adegboyega Adeleye
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has backed young Brazilian forward Estêvão to play an important role despite his limited minutes so far this season.
According to ESPN, the 19-year-old has made brief substitute appearances in two of Chelsea’s three Premier League matches, including Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal, when his late effort was saved by David Raya.
Estêvão came close to rescuing a point at the Emirates after replacing Jamie Gittens, but Raya tipped his powerful effort over the bar.
Alonso, however, insists the teenager remains an integral part of his plans.
