Chelsea were unable to make it three consecutive wins in a row in the Champions League on Wednesday, despite Estevao Willian scoring the opener against Qarabag.
Enzo Maresca’s side could not earn a victory after goals from Leandro Andrade and Marko Jankovic helped Qarabag to secure a 2-2 draw.
It was a disappointing first-half performance by Chelsea, yet Estevao was still able to impress.
Before the match, after being named in the FIFPRO World XI, Cole Palmer tipped Estevao to have a successful career.
Everton legend Leon Osman at Goodison Park
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Leon Osman impressed with Estevao Willian’s end product
Former Premier League midfielder Leon Osman also appears to be a fan of Estevao, already having a lot of confidence in the Brazilian when he reaches the final third.
While commentating on Chelsea’s Champions League game against Qarabag for the BBC, Osman said: “For a moment I thought the opportunity had gone. Andrey Santos gets them into a good position and I thought he played it behind Estevao.
“Once Estevao took a touch, two Qarabag players went over to him, but he took a touch, chopped with his left and then whipped it hard and low. This young man has got talent. In these situations he often gives you an end product.”
The 18-year-old’s strike at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium was his fourth in a Chelsea shirt.
Given that Estevao is still only 18 and only arrived in England in the summer, Maresca can be pleased with that.
Estevao has credited Reece James for his early success, revealing that the Chelsea captain was helping him even before his arrival at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea winger Estevao Willian celebrating goal
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Estevao Willian’s end product last season
Osman should not be too surprised that Estevao is already bringing an end product to the pitch.
At Palmeiras last season, the Brazil international scored 12 goals and provided five assists in 37 appearances. It is a really impressive return for a teenager, with one of his strikes coming against Chelsea at the Club World Cup.
Before Estevao and Chelsea took on Qarabag, Elvin Jafarguliyev shared one weakness that Maresca’s side have: leaving gaps.
And it was something that the Azerbaijani side were able to exploit as they bagged themselves two goals. Their next match in the Champions League is against Napoli, while Chelsea take on Barcelona. If the Blues do not defend better in that game, they could be torn apart.