Chelsea should be realising the same thing about Cole Palmer right now because of Estevao Willian.
Unfortunately, Blues playmaker Cole Palmer, 23, is currently absent for an extended period with a groin problem. The English attacking midfielder has been the talisman at Stamford Bridge in the previous two seasons, emerging as one of the world’s most exciting players.
Depending on his recovery, Palmer could return at the end of November to boost the squad.
In the meantime, it is up to others in the Chelsea group to score and create, which hasn’t been much of a problem during the opening months of the season. In 12 games across all competitions so far this season, Enzo Maresca’s side have scored 24 goals and conceded 14 goals.
Chelsea FC v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Pre-Season Friendly
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Chelsea no longer need to be so reliant on Cole Palmer
In his first two seasons with Chelsea, particularly in the debut year, Chelsea relied too much on Palmer to do something in the final third, whether that was a goal or assist.
Of course, it is irritating that the left-footed talisman is missing a large chunk of football matches in his third campaign in London. The emergence of new signing Estevao Willian should make Chelsea realise that they don’t need to be so reliant on Palmer.
Even though the Blues are always going to be a better side with Palmer in the XI, they have other special individuals, such as Estevao, that can set the standards and inspire in games.
Estevao, whose physicality is underrated, has settled very quickly into his new home after joining from Palmeiras in the summer. The 18-year-old Brazilian attacker has lit up football matches when he’s on the pitch, playing with a carefree attitude and South American flair that fans appreciate.
18-year-old Estêvão this season:
🔵 Youngest player in Premier League history to assist a goal for Chelsea
🇧🇷 Youngest Brazilian to score the winning goal in a Premier League game
⭐ Youngest goalscorer in Chelsea’s Champions League history pic.twitter.com/Y2B5302mfK
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 22, 2025
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Although Estevao is still so young, it feels like he’s ready to have the pressure of the Chelsea team on his shoulders in certain games. In fact, he’s the type of fearless forward who relishes it. Regardless of whether he’s playing as a right-winger or in more central pockets, he possesses the individual quality to change any game.
The luxury is that Chelsea don’t have to rely on Palmer any longer as their only match-winner.
In addition to Estevao, we’ve seen that the likes of Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez can be huge influences going forward. Incidentally, Fernandez has been directly involved in more Chelsea goals in 2025 than anyone else in the squad.
Chelsea v Liverpool - Premier League
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Gabriel Agbonlahor suggests Estevao Willian is stepping up without Cole Palmer
TalkSPORT pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor has picked out Chelsea talent Estevao as someone who’s stepping up to fill the Palmer void.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Agbonlahor said: “Estevao, I really like. Cole Palmer is a massive player for Chelsea; he’s out injured at the moment, but he’s a player that will step up. He scored for Brazil as well in the recent international break. Top player.”
If Estevao gets more starts in the coming weeks, we’re confident he will start to rack up plenty of goals and assists.