Chelsea’s quarter-final tie at the Club World Cup will see them take on a player who their supporters are eagerly waiting to see in a Blue shirt in the coming months.
The Blues will take on Palmeiras at the weekend, and line up against Estevao Willian, who joins Chelsea upon the end of their own run in this tournament.
Palmeiras supporters are unhappy with Estevao after he admitted that he was struggling to focus on the task in hand due to the excitement of joining Chelsea.
After impressive performances throughout the competition so far, the youngster was forced to watch from the sidelines when his side scored their only goal of a 1-0 win against Botafogo to book their own place in the next round.
Esteavo Willian controls the ball during FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 SE Palmeiras vs Botafogo
Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Estevao Willian unhappy with Palmeiras manager ahead of Chelsea showdown
Brazilian media praised Estevao for his performance, however noted that he was not happy to be subbed off so early into proceedings.
GE Globo said: “He came in on the left wing, and most of the infiltrations on that side were finding space, but the number 41 was unable to win the individual duels. In the 2nd half, however, he came back well and quickly created two dangerous chances. In one of them he scored, but the linesman called offside. He came off in the 17th minute of the 2nd half and complained, he didn’t like it.”
National media have criticised Estevao during the tournament, despite him twice being named player of the match in their opening four games.
This is almost certainly down to the high expectations he has set during his fantastic period with the club.
Estevao Willian reacts during SE Palmeiras v Botafogo FR: Round Of 16 - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images
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Estevao gearing up for Chelsea move
Supporters have been able to build excitement over more than a year now of what their side will look like when Estevao is available for selection at Stamford Bridge.
The attacker is doing his part to gear up for the move, and has already been in conversation with one Chelsea player about the pressures of moving to the club.
Estevao has been speaking to Moises Caicedo after his Premier League record move at the time, with him now adapting and becoming arguably the best player in the squad.
Chelsea fans are hoping for big things from Estevao, just not this weekend when he lines up against his future side.