The career of Chelsea youngster Estevao Willian is attracting so much interest because he’s been tipped for greatness.
After 83 first-team matches for Palmeiras, Estevao Willian finally secured his move to Chelsea. The 18-year-old winger has gone directly into the first-team squad, too.
He’s made a pretty effortless transition to Enzo Maresca’s squad, scoring a dramatic late winner against Liverpool in the Premier League last week.
Currently, Estevao is with Brazil’s senior squad, where he scored two goals in a 5-0 win against South Korea.
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Gilberto Silva tips Estevao Willian for huge future
Retired midfielder Gilberto Silva, who played for the likes of Brazil and Arsenal during his career, has predicted that Estevao will go to the top. He expects the teenager to excel not only for Chelsea, but on a world stage.
When asked about the upcoming star, Silva told GiveMeSport: “I believe he’s going to be a very top player. He’s got the talent.
“I have known him since he was a very little kid back in Belo Horizonte, with Cruzeiro. Later on, he moved to Palmeiras and he stepped over so fast with his game, developing his skills, his strength.
“I believe now he is going to get more mature. The maturity of moving to a different country will be so important for him to change experience. A different league, experiencing a different type of competition, a high-level competition, in Europe, against the best players in the world, will be important for his maturity and improvement.
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“I’m sure he’s going to be a top, top player. Not only for Chelsea, but in the world.”
We’ve seen some outstanding Brazilian play in Chelsea colours, including the likes of Thiago Silva, Willian and David Luiz. Let’s wait and see if Estevao can write his name into Chelsea history.
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Noni Madueke sale now makes more sense
There were a few eyebrows raised when Chelsea sold 23-year-old winger Noni Madueke to Arsenal in the summer for around £48.5m (BBC). For instance, Pat Nevin questioned Madueke’s exit for the quoted price tag.
However, Estevao’s arrival for the 2025-26 season may explain it.
The teenage talent doesn’t look out of place in Chelsea’s first team, offering a huge attacking threat from the right wing. In addition, he’s already scored three goals in eight Brazil caps.
Gus Poyet’s challenge to Estevao is to try and emulate Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal.
Even though Blues supporters are quickly taking Estevao to their hearts, it is important to remember his rapid incline to the top. At the same time, he’s taking everything in his stride to date with such ease, so perhaps he’s ready to step into a main role at Stamford Bridge.