We Don’t Want Him To Leave – John Obi Mikel Raises Alarm Over Estevao’s Frustration

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has urged manager Xabi Alonso to give Brazilian youngster Estevao more playing time, warning that the teenager could become frustrated and consider leaving the club if his situation does not improve.

Estevao has found it difficult to secure regular starting opportunities at Stamford Bridge amid competition for attacking positions, with Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro among the players vying for places in the team.

Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel praised the youngster’s performances since joining Chelsea and called on Alonso to ensure he receives more opportunities, even if he is not included in the starting lineup.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the former Nigeria international believes Estevao has already demonstrated his potential and ability to influence matches whenever he is introduced as a substitute.

Mikel stressed that the Chelsea manager does not necessarily have to start the teenager in every game but should make better use of his talent by bringing him on during the second half.

“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,” Mikel said.

The former midfielder added that Estevao had provided supporters with glimpses of his quality whenever he appeared on the pitch, insisting that the youngster deserved a more prominent role in the team’s plans.

Mikel clarified that his comments were not intended as a direct criticism of Alonso but rather a call for the manager to reassess how the Brazilian is being utilised.

“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,” he added.

The former Chelsea star also expressed concern over reports suggesting that Estevao was unhappy with his current situation and could be considering an exit.

According to Mikel, Chelsea must do everything possible to prevent the young attacker from becoming disillusioned, warning that losing a promising player because of limited playing opportunities would be an undesirable outcome for the club.

“We have a young player; the last thing we want to see him do is 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,” he stated.

Mikel’s comments have added to the discussion surrounding Estevao’s role at Chelsea, with the former midfielder urging Alonso to provide the teenager with more consistent opportunities to develop and demonstrate his abilities.