Estevao Willian offered a glimpse of what he could bring to Chelsea's attack with a stoppage-time effort that was well saved by David Raya during Sunday's defeat at Arsenal. The strike, though unsuccessful in securing a point, highlighted the potential the 19-year-old Brazilian winger holds for Xabi Alonso's side, even as he continues to fight for regular playing time.
Since his £51m move from Palmeiras, Estevao has managed just 96 minutes of action this season, the bulk of which came in an 80-minute outing against League One outfit Luton Town in the Carabao Cup. His only other involvement has come from brief substitute appearances against Fulham and Arsenal, while he did not feature at all in Chelsea's tight win over Brighton.
The emergence of Morgan Rogers, signed from Aston Villa for a club-record £117m, alongside the continued influence of Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro, has restricted Estevao's opportunities in Alonso's attacking setup. Reports from Brazil suggesting the winger is frustrated with his limited game time have been dismissed by sources close to the player and the club, who instead point to enthusiasm surrounding Chelsea's recent transfer business, including Rogers' arrival.
Despite the lack of minutes, Chelsea view Estevao as one of a select group of players considered untouchable, alongside Palmer, Joao Pedro and Moises Caicedo. There is no appetite within the club to part with any of them, and Estevao remains central to Alonso's long-term vision. Discussions over a new contract for the youngster have reportedly already begun, following a similar move to extend Joao Pedro's deal.
Addressing questions about Estevao's reduced role, Alonso was quick to defend the player's application in training. "No, Este is ready, training well. The other day he had a great impact," the head coach said. "He is fully involved with a very good attitude every day. I count on Este 100% because of his potential. He is so young but he is learning and adapting quickly. The season is long."
Estevao's recovery from a serious grade-four hamstring injury, which ruled him out of the World Cup last season, means his workload is being carefully managed as he builds match sharpness. Against Arsenal, he replaced Pedro Neto, who had been deployed as a wing-back in Alonso's evolving system - a role unlikely to suit Estevao given its defensive demands.
In Chelsea's preferred setup, Palmer occupies the inside-right position Estevao favours, making it difficult for the Brazilian to break into the starting XI for league fixtures. The pair have shown promise together when Alonso has used a back four, though that formation has only been deployed once, in the Carabao Cup tie against Luton.
Estevao is far from alone in facing a battle for minutes. Palmer and Rogers have started every league game so far, while Joao Pedro has also featured in all three top-flight fixtures. Meanwhile, forwards Emmanuel Emegha and Geovany Quenda, along with wide man Jamie Gittens, have seen minimal action, and defender Aaron Anselmino has yet to make an appearance.
With Chelsea currently absent from European competition, Wednesday's Carabao Cup clash with Leeds United takes on added significance as a chance for fringe players to press their claims. Should Chelsea progress, it may offer players like Estevao further opportunities to convert limited chances into a more prominent role as the season progresses.
Historical precedent suggests managers of non-European sides often rely on a compact core of players - as seen with Leicester City's title-winning campaign in 2015-16 and Chelsea's own triumph under Antonio Conte the following year. For Alonso, balancing squad harmony with competitive intensity will be a key challenge as Chelsea look to make the most of their talented, if congested, attacking ranks.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.