If you're good enough, you're old enough — that was the famous phrase coined by legendary Manchester United manager Sir Matt Busby. And Chelsea star Estevao Willian is proving that presently, with him giving Enzo Maresca a big selection headache following Brazil's 2-0 win against Senegal.
The hype around the young Brazilian steadily picked up after the Blues agreed a £28.7m deal to sign him in June 2024, as supporters tracked his every move. By the time he arrived at the club, he'd already earned a first senior cap for Brazil, and the 18-year-old has continued to raise his game since then.
Estevao has quickly become a fan-favourite at Stamford Bridge, scoring four goals in all competitions, including the match winner against Liverpool. That's despite Maresca not making him a must-start for Chelsea, with the young prodigy named in the starting XI just four times in 10 Premier League games.
There's been clamor amongst supporters for him to start more. And following his latest outing for the national side, it's becoming harder to deny them.
Estevao Shines Against Senegal
Brazil's Estevao celebrates scoring against Senegal.
International Friendly - Brazil v Senegal - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - November 15, 2024 Brazil's Estevao celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Isabel Infantes
In what was his 10th cap for the Selecao, manager Carlo Ancelotti decided to start Estevao against Senegal. Lining up in his favoured position on the right, he continued to underline why he's one of the best young players in the world.
Twenty-eight minutes into the tie, the Chelsea wonderkid broke the deadlock. Cutting in from the flank, he bent a fierce curling strike around former Blue Edouard Mendy to notch his fourth goal for Brazil.
Check out Estevao's Goal Below:
There was plenty else to like about his performance besides the goal too. Trusted by Ancelotti to play 83 minutes, Estevao also created a big chance for his teammates and was accurate with his passing. On top of that, he worked hard out of possession, making three recoveries to help the team while getting involved in plenty of duels.
It was a performance that exuded maturity beyond his years. And it undoubtedly gives credence to the idea that he should be starting more for Chelsea.
Estevao's Stats During Brazil 2-0 Senegal
Minutes Played
Goals
Big Chances Created
Key Passes
Passing Accuracy
Shots (On Target)
Touches
Tackles (Won)
Recoveries
Ground Duels
Maresca has previously stated that while Estevao is ready for more starts, he is still adapting to English football. Prior to their 3-0 win against Wolves, where the Brazilian grabbed another assist, the Italian coach said: "For sure, he is ready to start. But if Estevao starts, another player is on the bench and that other player will also want to start.
"Estevao has to adapt. Last week, he was saying it was too cold, but last week was only October. Imagine when it’s December or January! I said to him, 'Now it’s still hot!'"
Chelsea Fans Want Estevao to Start More
Chelsea's Estevao applauds fans.
UEFA Champions League - Qarabag v Chelsea - Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, Baku, Azerbaijan - November 5, 2025 Chelsea's Estevao after the match REUTERS/Aziz Karimov
Maresca may want to protect Chelsea's newest star, but based on his performances to date, there is no doubt that he should be starting more games for the club moving forward. He's been one of the brightest players on the pitch for club and country, stepping up despite other players being vastly more experienced.
It's a notion that many Chelsea supporters were quick to press home during Brazil's win. Writing on social media, one fan said:
"Estevao is playing so well for Brazil. I think he should play in most Chelsea matches till the end of the season."
Another added: "Estevao simply has to start for Chelsea. The issue with our fanbase is that they’ll expect him to score every single game (because he’s that good)." And a fellow fan wrote: "Maresca really needs to start Estevao more this kid is unreal talent."
Calls by fans go beyond one game though, with many singing his praises throughout the year. Some are even asking what else he needs to do to be the first name on the teamsheet: "What more should Estevao do to start for Chelsea. He is cooking for both club and country."
Pedro Neto has been the man keeping him out of the starting XI for the majority of the year. And while he's scored three goals in 11 Premier League games, he's left some supporters wanting more. One wrote: "Maresca I’ve seen enough. If you start Neto over him again we riot."
With a huge Champions League tie against Barcelona coming up following their match against Burnley, Maresca might well be tempted to opt for experience instead of youthful energy. But based on his performances to date, Estevao has definitely earned a start against the Blaugrana.