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Neto's revival limits Estevao's chances
Estevao Willian and Pedro Neto of Chelsea during a training session at Chelsea Training Ground

The last time Chelsea beat Liverpool, Estevao was the talk of the Premier League.

The Brazilian was still in his first couple of months at Stamford Bridge when his name hit the headlines after he scored the winner against the Premier League champions with practically the final kick of the match last October.

Fast forward 12 months, and Estevao is beginning to attract attention for all the wrong reasons as he struggles to force his way into Xabi Alonso's side.

The 19-year-old, who joined Chelsea from Palmeiras last summer, was conspicuous by his absence on Wednesday night as Chelsea were knocked out of the Carabao Cup following a penalty shootout loss to Liverpool at Anfield.

Sadly for Estevao, Wednesday night's situation at Anfield was nothing new for him.

The Brazilian's total minutes for the campaign so far stand at an underwhelming 172, with 125 of those coming in the victories over Luton Town and Leeds United in the earlier rounds of the EFL Cup.

One of the main reasons behind Estevao's exile has been the form of Pedro Neto.

The 26-year-old was linked with a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, but he ultimately remained at Stamford Bridge.

That decision appears to have been influenced by Alonso, who has underlined his faith in Neto by handing him seven starts in eight Premier League matches this season.

His success out on the right - which also happens to be Estevao's favoured position - has meant opportunities have been few and far between for the Brazilian.

He has primarily been deployed as a right-sided wing-back in Alonso's 3-4-2-1 system, with his Premier League experience and greater defensive solidity compared to Estevao seemingly winning over the Spaniard.

After an impressive start to the campaign, in which he has scored four goals in 11 matches, Neto was rewarded with a new six-year deal.

Estevao will be hoping he can follow in the footsteps of Neto and revive his Stamford Bridge career.

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