Roberto Di Matteo worked with some Chelsea greats during his time managing at Stamford Bridge, so fans should be intrigued to hear his verdict on current Blues star Estevao Willian.
There is a lot of excitement right now around Estevao Willian, the 18-year-old rising star with so much potential.
He’s made a pretty impressive start to life at Chelsea since his move to England in the summer, leaving behind Brazilian club Palmeiras, where he had built a reputation as one of the best emerging talents in the world.
Blues head coach Enzo Maresca has compared Estevao to Cole Palmer, and he already exudes fearlessness in Chelsea’s colours. The Brazil international has settled straight away, scoring in both the Premier League and Champions League already.
It is clear that the left-footed trickster is playing most of his football on the right wing, cutting infield and causing many problems for full-backs. However, his long-term future may be in a more central role to create and score goals.
Estevao Willian controls the ball during a Chelsea training session at Cobham.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Roberto Di Matteo predicts greatness for Estevao Willian
Roberto Di Matteo, who managed Chelsea to their first Champions League trophy in 2012, thinks the Blues have a gem with Estevao.
He’s already been very impressed by the teenage attacker when he’s watched him, explaining he’s so mature for someone so young.
When asked how good Estevao can become, Di Matteo told GOAL: “Let’s not overwhelm him with pressure, but he’s going to be a top player! You can see that he is so advanced in his football development.
“I saw him before the international break and he looks like a 15-year-old! You look at him and think ‘you are playing already?’ Amazing skills, technically, he’s fast, unpredictable, can go outside and inside. Very good attitude. He’s quite advanced for his age. Ancelotti loves him in the Brazil national team.
“He’s got a very good family around him as well, his parents have moved over with him. He’s got good management around him so I have no doubt that he’s going to grow and become a top player, a world top player.”
Roberto Di Matteo watching Chelsea against Manchester United in the Premier League.
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Similarly, Jason Cundy praised Estevao by saying that he’s already got everything you could want in a footballer.
Of course, Estevao, along with those around him, will be ensuring his feet remain firmly on the ground. The fans can enjoy the hype and excitement around the South American wonderkid, though.
Estevao Willian can soon nail down spot in Chelsea XI
Even though Maresca has been cautious Estevao’s minutes so far, the youngster is making it increasingly more difficult for him to be left out of the starting line-up.
He delivered a scintillating display for 90 minutes in midweek during the 5-1 victory against Ajax in the Champions League. Next, the Blues host Sunderland on Saturday in the Premier League.
We don’t suspect Maresca will cave into any decision just because of the pressure from supporters, but it is clear that Estevao is pushing for regular league starts. If he’s good enough to start regularly for Brazil, he should be able to do the same for Chelsea.