Chelsea take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League this afternoon - with Liam Rosenior facing a tough decision whether to use Estevao Willian from the start at Selhurst Park
09:00, 25 Jan 2026
Liam Rosenior applauds following Chelsea's win over Brentford.
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Liam Rosenior applauds following Chelsea's win over Brentford.(Image: Ryan Pierse)
When Chelsea agreed a deal to bring Estevao Willian to Stamford Bridge - some 20 months ago - the club had enormous expectations for the young Brazilian. Back then, he was 17, yet he was making a mockery of defenders - some twice his age - in Brazil on a regular basis.
After the deal with Palmeiras - which could eventually rise to over £50million - was struck up, Chelsea supporters raced to find clips of Estevao, a largely unknown figure in the UK, in action. Understandably, they were immediately excited. But they had to wait over a year until he would be playing his football in west London due to the deal Chelsea agreed with Palmeiras.
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In the bizarre way football sometimes works, Estevao played his last match for the Brazilian club against his soon-to-be employers. Chelsea beat Palmeiras 2-1 in Philadelphia back in July with Estevao, inevitably, scoring as part of his final bow to the adoring Verdão faithful. A fantastic solo goal from the teenager left Chelsea supporters frustrated, but equally excited about what the future holds with the little Brazilian at Stamford Bridge.
There was almost an unspoken expectation that Estevao would be an instant hit at Chelsea, despite the 18-year-old moving to a new country and changing his whole life at such a young age. That, though, is unfair to ask of Estevao - from Chelsea's point of view, anyway. The club has tried to ease the expectations on Estevao's shoulders.
Enzo Maresca said on countless occasions that the teenage sensation needed to be "protected", while Liam Rosenior did not want to use that specific word but agreed largely, when asked by football.london earlier in the month, with his predecessor.
Liam Rosenior on Estevao Willian
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Liam Rosenior's verdict on Estevao Willian(Image: Bobby Vincent on X)
It has got to the point now, though, where - because of his seamless adaptation to the Premier League - Estevao has become Chelsea's most dangerous attacker. Cole Palmer, who has been struggling with injuries this season, has not looked himself in the 13 times he has been on the pitch this term. While Pedro Neto can impress at times, there is not - and has not been during his time at Stamford Bridge - enough end product there, and the jury is still out on Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens.
While Rosenior wants to take good care of Estevao, holding the winger back has become detrimental to his Chelsea side. Wednesday night's win over Pafos showed that. When Estevao came on at half-time, the youngster took it upon himself to inject some much-needed intensity and energy in the final third.
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Chelsea go to Crystal Palace this afternoon in Rosenior's second Premier League match in charge of the Blues.
Rosenior has led his new side on four occasions - all in different competitions - so far, and Estevao has started just once. Despite the chaos around Selhurst Park in the last week, it won't be easy for Chelsea, but it will be made easier having a game-changer like Estevao on the pitch.
There is a sense Chelsea are holding Estevao back, but it is time he is unleashed.