Estevao Willian starred for Chelsea once again in their 5-1 win against Ajax as he caught the attention of former Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson.
Estevao was able to get his name on the scoresheet in the Champions League affair, putting away a penalty just before the half-time whistle.
It comes after his match-winner against Liverpool just prior to the international break.
There is a bit of a Brazilian vibe at Stamford Bridge right now, which could be added to in the new year. It is thought that Chelsea are interested in Estevao’s compatriot Vitor Roque.
Chelsea winger Estevao Willian putting in a cross
Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images
Estevao Willian played extremely wide in Chelsea’s win against Ajax
With Estevao and the rest of Chelsea’s attack doing their job on Wednesday night, it did not look like the Blues needed a new forward.
The 18-year-old was particularly threatening, with Robinson commenting on how wide he played early on in the game.
Commentating on the match for the BBC, the former Tottenham Hotspur and England goalkeeper said: “Estevao is playing noticeably wide tonight, he has clearly been told to make the pitch as wide as possible in possession. He has such a big future, the young Brazilian.”
Ajax went down to 10 men pretty early, but you can take nothing away from Estevao’s excellent performance.
The Brazil international and a few others have really stepped up in the absence of Cole Palmer, who is still struggling with a groin problem.
Chelsea winger Estevao Willian celebrating goal vs Ajax
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Paul Robinson on Estevao Willian’s penalty
Being 3-1 up at the time, there was not too much pressure on Estevao when he stepped up to take Chelsea’s second penalty.
Nevertheless, Robinson was still impressed with the quality of it. On his spot-kick, he said: “This is a young 18-year-old Brazilian who is full of confidence. The whole of Stamford Bridge fell silent watching him — he didn’t rush, he had a long run-up, had a stutter and absolutely pinged it into the top right corner.
“It is easy to take a penalty when you are 3-1 up, but he is 18 years old at a new club. That is a fantastic penalty.”
In Estevao and Pedro Neto, Enzo Maresca probably has two of the best right wingers in the Premier League right now.
Neto did not feature against Ajax, but he was superb in Chelsea’s 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest last Saturday.
At the City Ground, the Portugal international was able to score a goal and register an assist. He is another individual doing his part while Palmer remains on the sidelines.