John Terry has voiced a concern about Estevao Willian, and it pertains to a possible career-first that could be facing the Brazilian on Saturday.
Estevao is coming back to Stamford Bridge full of confidence after shining once again on the international stage.
He scored in friendlies on Saturday and Tuesday, reaching five goals for his country. Estevao is the youngest Brazilian to that mark since Pele.
Next up is a trip to Burnley on Saturday. Terry has been looking ahead to the tie and has brought up one potential point of concern for the 18-year-old.
John Terry attends Chelsea U21 v Manchester City U21 in the Premier League 2.
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
John Terry warns Estevao about the early kick-off against Burnley
Chelsea’s most decorated captain has had nothing but good things to say about Estevao.
Terry called Estevao a superstar talent after his most recent international exploits, where he once again showed his attacking prowess in a Brazil team stacked with world-class individuals.
But he cautions the youngster about the impact of an international break, exacerbated by a 12:30 start on Saturday.
Speaking to Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Terry said: “It’s the early kick-off as well, that will be a different experience for the foreign guys, Estevao, it’s probably the first time he’s experienced these early games.”
He thinks the opponent won’t make things easier, continuing: “They’ll frustrate the life out of us as well. But they’re struggling at home. They’re conceding goals, which, in the Championship last year, they weren’t.
“So this year they’re conceding, and I think we’ve looked good. We’ve looked like a threat.”
Terry has faith in the Blues to get the job done, as they’re expected to do. And his Estevao concern might not matter as much if Maresca does what we expect.
How will Chelsea get on against Burnley?
Estevao might not start against Burnley
Chelsea fans have been crying out for Estevao to start, and they have a point. He’s by far the most exciting player to watch when Cole Palmer’s not in the side.
But it’s because of Palmer, in a way, that Maresca might elect to leave Estevao on the bench.
The Englishman has been out of action for what feels like a very long time, and he’s due to be out even longer. Maresca now expects Palmer not to return until after the Arsenal game after he fractured his toe at home.
With crucial games against Arsenal and Barcelona next week, Chelsea may well turn to Estevao for a moment of magic.
Perhaps it’s better to save him for those big ties — Terry’s early kick-off concern is just another reason to.