John Terry has been discussing Chelsea’s rising star Estevao Willian in the build-up to the Nottingham Forest fixture, and the truth is he’s a popular topic within the fanbase as well.
After October’s international break, the Blues return to action on Saturday afternoon with a trip to Forest in the Premier League.
Estevao Willian, 18, was the hero in Chelsea’s previous match, scoring a late winning goal to beat Liverpool 2-1 in the league. Hopefully, it will be the first of many for the Brazilian right-winger at his new club.
Head coach Enzo Maresca has slowly integrated the £29m summer recruit (BBC) into his team, but it feels like the right moment to release the shackles. Estevao is the Premier League’s highest-rated youngster despite failing to complete a full 90 minutes yet this season.
Estevao Willian playing for Chelsea against Benfica in the Champions League.
Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
John Terry urges Chelsea to start Estevao Willian
Ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Forest, Blues legend John Terry has stressed his opinion that Estevao should come into the starting line-up.
Terry said via TikTok: “We play Nottingham Forest away this weekend. A place where we secured Champions League football at the back end of last season, and also we’re coming off the back of a great win against Liverpool at the Bridge as well. The importance of continuing that winning streak is vital for me after the international break.
“We obviously had a great win with an Estevao goal late into stoppage time to secure the win. Estevao gets his first goal, so let me know your thoughts. Will he start at the weekend? I hope he does because he’s shown glimpses of being a superb player for us, and hopefully that form continues as well.”
Estevao, who’s nominated for the Golden Ball award alongside another three Chelsea players, doesn’t play like he’s an 18-year-old. In fact, the left-footed attacker is mature with his final ball and decisions on the football pitch.
The Forest defence will not enjoy the South American talent running at them full tilt.
Like Terry, we feel it is a no-brainer to reward Estevao with a start against Forest because he has real momentum right now. On top of his Liverpool, winner, he netted twice for Brazil during the international break.
John Terry attends Chelsea U21 v Manchester City U21 in the Premier League 2.
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
The leaky Nottingham Forest defence
Under Ange Postecoglou’s management, Forest have conceded a lot of goals. Therefore, Chelsea’s attack should be excited and confident going into Saturday’s clash at the City Ground.
In seven matches across all competitions, Forest have conceded a mammoth 15 goals.
Cole Palmer’s injury absence means that Chelsea may not be as potent as they can be. We’re still looking towards the likes of Estevao, Joao Pedro and Pedro Neto to really dominate in the final third, though.