Jason Cundy boldly claimed Estevao would start ahead of Bukayo Saka at this year's World Cup if he was English.
The Brazilian teen has cemented himself as one of the brightest young talents in world football this season with a string of dazzling displays for Chelsea.
Estevao of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Chelsea FC and FC Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on November 25, 2025 in London, England
3
Estevao has blossomed following his £56million arrival from PalmeirasCredit: Getty
Aged 18, Estevao has registered an impressive 10 goal contributions for the Blues from 32 appearances across all competitions.
In contrast, Saka has struggled to replicate his lofty numbers from previous seasons.
To date, the Arsenal ace has seven goals and seven assists from 33 appearances this term for the Gunners.
It is a drastic reduction from his goal contributions last season, where he contributed 12 goals and 14 assists in 37 games.
Read more football news
Despite his noticeable dip in form, it has not stopped the Gunners from tying down Saka to a new deal, which talkSPORT understands will see the England international pocket a tidy £300,000 per week.
The staggering pay packet will make Saka the club's top earner ahead of Kai Havertz.
Saka's looming deal was discussed between Cundy and Jamie O'Hara on Tuesday's edition of The Sports Bar, as the latter proposed whether the Arsenal ace would start for Chelsea.
Why Cundy would take Estevao over Saka
Cundy, a former Blues defender, replied: "I don't have him over Estevao. This season, no chance."
O'Hara then asked Cundy whether Estevao was a better player than Saka.
"You can only go off by what we've seen," Cundy said.
Bukayo Saka playing for Arsenal
3
Bukayo Saka has struggled for consistency this season for ArsenalCredit: Getty
"Estevao rocked up this season. I've only seen Estevao in a Chelsea shirt since August."
Given the bold claim, O'Hara wanted Cundy to double down on his stance he would take Estevao over Saka at this moment in time.
"Yes, 100 per cent," Cundy said.
"Saka puts up ridiculous numbers, he's a brilliant player.
"But this season, what I've seen from Estevao in the Premier League, no-one can throw Saka at me this season."
O'Hara felt Saka's decline coincided with 'miles on the clock' and 'playing in a certain system', along with claiming Estevao was 'woeful' during Chelsea's 3-1 defeat away to Leeds on December 3.
Estevao's Premier League stats this season
3
The Brazilian has shown several glimpses of his vast ability for Chelsea this termCredit: talkSPORT
But Cundy was quick to defend Estevao, reminding O'Hara of just how young the Brazilian is amid the expectation already placed on his shoulders.
"He's 18, he's not 19 until next month," Cundy said.
"This season, you can't argue with me.
"Look, huge fan of Saka, think the boy is top, top drawer and will go on to be an Arsenal legend, there's no doubt about that.
Read More on talkSPORT
"But you give me the evidence in the last 10 months that shows me anything different, you'd rather have Saka over Estevao this year, no chance. Absolutely no chance.
"If Estevao is English, he starts ahead of Saka at the World Cup."