The performance of Estevao Willian convinced more than just Chelsea fans that he is already one of the most talented young footballers in the world.
Estevao stepped up and delivered on the big stage for the Blues as they beat Barcelona 3-0 in the Champions League, moving them up to fifth in the table.
The Brazilian’s stunning second half goal gave Chelsea a cushion in the second half, after Jules Kounde had turned the ball into his own net before the break.
Who was your Player of the Match vs Barcelona?
Liam Delap scored his first Champions League goal off the bench, after Enzo Maresca decided to not start either him or Joao Pedro for the big game.
Chelsea FC v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Thierry Henry worried Estevao Willian’s dribbling will be coached out of him at Chelsea
Pedro Neto started up front for the Blues, and the front three found a lot of joy up against the high line of Barcelona.
Thierry Henry certainly knows a thing or two about promising attacking players, and he was left in awe of the 18-year-old in West London.
However, the Frenchman is already worried that his brilliance on the ball and ability to take on defenders is going to be coached out of him as his career goes on.
He said to CBS Sports: “You wouldn’t like to play against him, he’s coming at you all the time. He’s reminding me, it’s early doors, that’s why I think Ryan Giggs was one of the best, because he’s coming at you all game.
“Coaches at times are scared of transition, playing against a low block. The first quality of the kid is to dribble. Why are you going to take that away? How is he going to work? Let him cook, let him play. We need to enjoy these kinds of players and types of games.”
Thierry Henry prior to the CONCACAF Nations League 3rd Place Match between the United States and Canada
Photo by Shaun Clark/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF
Enzo Maresca has big Estevao decision to make
Despite scoring in his last three Champions League starts, Estevao has only made three starts in the Premier League so far this season.
What the big names were saying about Estevao after Barcelona masterclass…
“He’s incredible. He’s got the world at his feet. Just keep grounded and keep working hard, and he can do anything.”
Liam Delap
“The goal from Estevao reminded me of the goal he scored against us in the Club World Cup. Estevao needs to relax, enjoy his football. Him and Lamine, if you start to talk about Messi and Ronaldo, it’s too much pressure for young boys like them. It’s too much for them.”
Enzo Maresca
“It is right to give Estevao a little bit of space to keep growing. He is doing very well but he has a lot of ground to cover in my opinion.
“The more he plays, the more physically, he will be stronger. And he will read the game better. All those things come with experience and I think that he is promising to become a very, very important player.”
Gianfranco Zola
This has been as a result of his manager looking to protect him, as well as frequently utilising Neto off the right.
Maresca refused to confirm whether Estevao would start against Arsenal, as the big games come thick and fast at Stamford Bridge.
Given how he dealt with the pressure of the marquee match against Barcelona, it looks as if he is ready for the responsibility.