Another game. Another standout Chelsea performance from Estevao Willian.
Jamie Gittens may have been awarded Player of the Match, but Estevao’s constant danger and energetic play was what got Chelsea fans out of their seats the most against Ajax.
It’s yet another mature performance from Estevao, looking more assured in possession every time he takes to the field. He had the game at his feet, posing by far the greatest threat to the Ajax goal.
Estevao of Chelsea celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's fourth goal from the penalty-spot
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
His eight shots and 14 touches in the opposing penalty area were game-highs, and he was unlucky not to get another goal after calmly dispatching Chelsea’s second penalty.
Enzo Maresca lauds Estevao after Ajax performance
For Maresca, it’s a welcome rise up the Champions League table to 11th. After the game, the Chelsea boss was delighted with the performances he got from his young players, with three teenagers getting on the scoresheet.
Marc Guiu became Chelsea’s youngest ever Champions League goalscorer with his strike vs. Ajax.
33 minutes later, Estevao broke the record with a penalty.
Then Tyrique George, a month younger than Guiu, scored to jump into second 😅 pic.twitter.com/xtOlyvw0ze
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) October 22, 2025
View Tweet
Maresca singled out Estevao’s performance, explaining what he thinks sets the 18-year-old apart from other young stars after a string of top performances.
As Football London reports, Maresca remarked: “With young players, most of the time you are a bit worried because most of the time, they play one or two games and score and they think they are already top players.
“But we don’t need to worry about that with Estevao. He’s very humble and polite, and he has family close to him.”
Great to hear the plaudits aren’t going to his head. But a comparison Maresca made next just might.
Maresca again compares Estevao to Cole Palmer
In what’s becoming a bit of a regular occurrence, the Chelsea boss once again highlights similarities between Estevao and Cole Palmer. In this instance, how much of a joy they are to watch.
He says: “I feel very lucky to be his manager. He’s exciting, we can enjoy. The fans pay the tickets to see players like Cole and Estevao – these types of players. It’s nice to have these types of players.”
Cole Palmer chats with Estevao Willian after Chelsea beat Palmeiras in the Club World Cup quarter-finals.
Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images
No further explanation needed on what ‘these types of players’ means. The noise coming from the home crowd on Wednesday night will tell you that Estevao is exciting to watch, as of course is Palmer.
Chelsea have signed plenty of unproven, young talents before, but not many have made this kind of impact so quickly after arriving at Stamford Bridge.