Estevao Willian is really pushing Pedro Neto for a spot in Chelsea’s starting XI this season.
Despite being 18 and only arriving in England over the summer, Estevao has impressed during the current campaign.
However, he has not been able to oust his teammate from the first XI, with Neto in great form himself.
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Enzo Maresca now has a big decision to make ahead of Chelsea’s tie against Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Chelsea fans think Pedro Neto will start over Estevao Willian
Neto can play on the left, while Estevao has some experience in the No.10 position. However, they are currently Maresca’s main two options for the right flank, meaning that only one of them is likely to start against Barcelona.
Many Chelsea fans on social media think Neto is the one who will get the nod.
One Chelsea supporter on X said there is no chance of Maresca dropping Neto: “Maresca won’t bench Neto for Estevao against Barcelona.”
Another has a bit of sympathy for Maresca, posting: “Maresca is in one of the greatest dilemmas, can’t bench Neto against Barcelona, unlimited pressure to start Estevao…”
One Chelsea fan definitely cannot see Estevao being named in the first XI. They said: “I don’t see a world where Estevao will start against Barcelona.”
Another Chelsea supporter had a message for anyone expecting Neto to be left on the bench. “Joke’s on you people; Neto will start against Barcelona.”
One user on X is very confident that the Portuguese will start. They stated: “Pedro Neto is starting against Barcelona.”
And someone does not think Estevao has the physicality yet for such a game. “Estevao isn’t physical enough to start against Barca. Pedro Neto is a better pick imo.”
Predicted Chelsea XI vs. Barcelona:
Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; James, Caicedo, Fernandez; Pedro Neto, Joao Pedro, Garnacho . #CFC
— Bridgenews 🎗️ (@cfc_whale) November 23, 2025
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It will certainly be interesting to see who Maresca goes with at Stamford Bridge.
Pedro Neto and Estevao Willian at Chelsea training
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Pedro Neto should start against Barcelona
It would be harsh to drop Neto, given the form that he is in. As well as that, the Portugal international is a wide man renowned for his work rate and defensive contribution. He is going to be needed to help Chelsea deal with the threat of Barcelona’s attack.
Chelsea’s last five results vs Barcelona
Barcelona 3-0 Chelsea – 14/3/18
Chelsea 1-1 Barcelona – 20/2/18
Barcelona 2-2 Chelsea – 24/4/12
Chelsea 1-0 Barcelona – 18/4/12
Chelsea 1-1 Barcelona – 6/5/09
All in all, starting Neto and using Estevao off the bench as an impact sub could be the way to go.
Maresca has a lot of options right now, and that is a good thing. Estevao will get his chance, but he may have to be a bit patient for the time being.