The electric start to the season continued for Chelsea’s Estevao Willian as he found the net for the fourth time for Brazil in a friendly against Senegal.
The youngster was on target as Carlo Ancelotti’s side won 2-0, against a side which included former Blues Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy.
Enzo Maresca will be delighted Estevao didn’t have to travel to South America for the game, with their first friendly taking place at the Emirates.
It took just 28 minutes for the Brazilian to open the scoring, hitting a fierce strike with his left foot past Mendy into the far corner.
Brazil v Senegal - International Friendly
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Carlo Ancelotti training ground outburst inspires Estevao Willian in 2-0 Brazil win
Estevao has been one of the stars of the side since Ancelotti took over, however Brazilian media were more impressed with some of his defensive work than the moment he found the net.
GE Globo stated that the manager had stressed in training that his attackers needed to press more, and the youngster was the one who led that charge in the first half in particular.
He said: “The scolding given by Ancelotti in training charging greater presence marking pressure worked. Estêvão played a very important role in making it difficult for Senegal to leave the ball and was one of the great highlights of the first half.
“It’s impressive how not to fail to risk plays, even when you make mistakes. A lot of personality rewarded with the fourth goal in the Ancelotti era. He is the gunner of this cutout of the cycle.”
Brazil v Senegal - International Friendly
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Estevao proving he is up for the physical challenge
Against Senegal, Estevao won the ball back a number of times, as well as being his usual dangerous self in the final third.
Estevao stats vs Senegal Total
Minutes 83
Goals 1
Shots 2
Chances Created 3
Tackles 2
Recoveries 3
One of the biggest fears when he joined Chelsea was that the physical side of playing in the Premier League was going to be an issue for him.
However, this has proven to be no problem at all for the 18-year-old, and Estevao was nominated for Chelsea’s October Player of the Month.
Maresca has been doing his best to protect the youngster, however it is getting to the point where it is difficult to not start him due to what he is doing for both club and country.