GUS POYET has urged patience for Chelsea prospect Estevao, who has seen limited playing time under Xabi Alonso.

The 19-year-old made a significant impact at Stamford Bridge last season, particularly during a Champions League match against Barcelona, where he outshone his counterpart, Lamine Yamal.

However, this season, following a change in tactics under Alonso, he has logged only 29 minutes across seven Premier League appearances.

Considering his potential, Estevao, along with the fans, expects more playing time, as highlighted by former Chelsea midfielder Poyet.

Poyet, addressing SunSport for Gambling.com, stated: “Firstly, we don’t know the discussions he’s had with the manager, but I felt that the entire stadium wanted to see Estêvão play. Everyone.

“When he was about to come on, there was a palpable excitement in the crowd.

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“From one of my toughest experiences coaching at Betis, I learned that trying to fit too many quality players into a system can backfire poorly. I didn’t last long there.

“You start thinking, maybe I can place him here, and then someone else there. You create a system to accommodate them all, but it didn’t work for me. It’s likely challenging for Xabi Alonso to fit him into this current system.

“Can he perform the defensive duties of Neto? Probably not yet. But with a solid right-back behind him, I would want him in the lineup.

“I believe it’s just a matter of time for Estêvão. I hope he remains patient.

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“Sometimes, experiencing tough moments can help you grow as a professional.

“Embrace the challenge and demonstrate to the coach that you need to play. Don’t take the easy route and think ‘I want to leave’ or complain about wanting a loan or whatever.

“He’s a top talent, and Chelsea fans adore him, which is what matters most.”

So far, Alonso has favored Pedro Neto over Estevao on the right flank due to his defensive skills, as mentioned by Poyet.

The Portuguese winger has channeled his inner Victor Moses this season, netting a brace against Everton this past weekend, which should strengthen his case to continue in the starting lineup.

Without European competition this season, it appears that Estevao’s game time will primarily come in domestic cup matches, where he has contributed 125 minutes in the Carabao Cup.

If he gets the chance against Spurs this weekend and scores his first goal of the season, it’s a perfect opportunity to remind Chelsea fans of his abilities.

And if anyone understands the rivalry between these two London clubs, it’s Poyet, who has played for both sides.

The Blues enter the match as strong favorites, boasting an impressive home record against Spurs.

John Terry and Frank Lampard once remarked that Chelsea referred to White Hart Lane as “Three Point Lane” – and Poyet noted that the Blues always felt they would win against Tottenham, even when circumstances were challenging.

He remarked: “Honestly, when I was at Chelsea, with all due respect to Spurs, we were unbeaten in over 20 games against them, so for us, it felt like just another game.

“I realized the intensity of the rivalry when I played on the other side and was met with hostility.

“There was one match we [Chelsea] played at White Hart Lane where we struggled. Ginola was fantastic. However, Bjarne Goldbæk scored a stunning goal from 30 yards into the top corner.

“The ball was unstoppable. We were thrilled.

“We always told ourselves, something would happen, and we wouldn’t lose. That was the prevailing sentiment. Somehow, we believed that something would transpire, and we wouldn’t suffer defeat.”