Chelsea’s first half performance against Pafos in the Champions League needed something to spark it into life, and it ultimately got it via one of Liam Rosenior’s half-time substitutions.
Estevao Willian came on at the break to provide some creativity and direct attacking which had been desperately missing from the underwhelming Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho.
It took a lot of patience, but Chelsea eventually broke down their stubborn opponents via a Moises Caicedo header with less than 15 minutes to go.
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Stamford Bridge was not shy in showing it’s frustration at the performance, frequently whistling and booing as the Blues probed around the edge of the box.
Chelsea FC v Pafos FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
Joe Cole pays Estevao Willian the ultimate compliment
Rosenior will have been delighted to see the impact the Brazilian wonderkid made off the bench, likely as pleased as Joe Cole was while providing punditry for TNT Sports.
The former Chelsea star claimed that whenever he works on Blues games, it is Estevao he is hoping is on the teamsheet for the match.
He said: “He’s raw, he’s audacious, he’s vibrant, he’s got that special something. This place has always had players that people love to watch, they love a player who excites them. I come here and the first name I look for is Estevao. That tells you everything.”
Estevao has only started one of the four games that Rosenior has been in charge of, however is making it very difficult to overlook him when fit and firing right now.
Pedro Neto really needs to mix up his game 🤦♂️
What did you make of his performance against Pafos?
Pedro Neto's number of crosses vs Pafos
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
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Cole impressed by Estevao and Caicedo
As well as Estevao, the performance of the goalscorer caught the eye of the Englishman, with the Ecuadorian bailing them out of what could have been a very hairy situation.
Cole said Caicedo is now Chelsea’s most important player, seemingly overtaking Cole Palmer in that pecking order.
The Blues have now set up a mouthwatering final group stage game against Napoli, who need a result to book their place in the knockout stages at all.
Chelsea however can book their place straight in the Round of 16, something which looked a long way away when Enzo Maresca’s side were defeated in Atalanta back in December.
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