According to Brazilian legend Zico, Chelsea’s Estevao Willian has similarities in his game with Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal.
Estevao Willian and Lamine Yamal, both aged 18, are two of the most exciting young footballers on the planet.
Even though Estevao arrived at Chelsea this summer from Palmeiras with huge pressure on his shoulders, he’s taken to life at Stamford Bridge pretty effortlessly. The teenager has looked a huge threat from the right when he’s featured, scoring the winning goal against Liverpool in the Premier League before the international break.
Estevao, who’s nominated for the Golden Ball award, has all the potential in the world to become anything he wants. As well as taking huge strides forward at club level, he’s also starting to grow in stature as a key figure for the Brazilian national side.
With Cole Palmer out injured for the next few games, our eyes will be on the South American youngster to see if he can step up and fill the attacking void.
Estevao Willian kisses the Brazil badge during an international friendly against South Korea.
Photo by Ricardo Nogueira/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images
Estevao Willian compared to Lamine Yamal
Brazilian icon Zico has spoken glowingly about rising star Estevao, even comparing him to Yamal. He’s said that the teenagers are similar with their ability on the ball plus their strength on the pitch.
When discussing Estevao on The Obi One Podcast, Zico said: “He’s a very good player. He shares a lot of characteristics with Yamal. He has a lot of ability with his feet, he’s very strong and I think he can become a very good player and do a lot of good things for Chelsea.”
Similarly, Gilberto Silva has tipped Estevao for world success, so it will be fascinating to see how his career unfolds.
After gaining first-team experience in Brazilian football, he’s now made the major step to English football. The fact that he can slot into a very young group in West London is a huge plus. Also, Estevao’s relationship with Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is already starting to blossom.
For Yamal, the Spanish right-winger may be a bit further ahead in this moment because of what he’s done at club and international level.
Lamine Yamal playing for Spain against Bulgaria in a World Cup qualifier.
Photo by NIKOLAY DOYCHINOV/AFP via Getty Images
Estevao Willian vs Lamine Yamal
Let’s take a look at how Estevao and Yamal compare to date across their respective journeys in club and international football.
Team Appearances Goals Assists
Palmeiras 83 27 15
Chelsea 9 1 1
Brazil 9 3 0
Estevao Willian’s record at senior level
Team Appearances Goals Assists
Barcelona 111 27 38
Spain 23 6 12
Lamine Yamal’s record at senior level
Of course, we’ll be closely watching the development of both sensational individuals. Will Estevao be able to catch up to the Spanish sensation in the coming years?
On 25 November, Estevao and Yamal could face off because Chelsea host Barcelona in the Champions League.