Chelsea commenced their short pre-season with a match at home to Bayer Leverkusen on Friday night. Without a doubt, Estevao Willian was the huge talking point from the contest.
The Blues impressed in their 2-0 victory against Leverkusen in the friendly fixture at Stamford Bridge.
Estevao Willian, who was making his unofficial Chelsea debut, made a superb first impression. The 18-year-old rising star slotted in effortlessly to Enzo Maresca’s side, scoring the opening goal with a simple finish inside the penalty box. Afterwards, Joao Pedro added a late second to double the team’s advantage.
During his 77 minutes on the pitch, Estevao looked a constant threat, showing great directness and confidence on the right wing. In fact, the Brazilian attacker even shifted more centrally into a No.10 position during the second period to show his versatility.
It’s no surprise that Chelsea supporters raved about Estevao’s debut performance because they think they have signed something quite special.
Estevao Willian celebrates scoring for Chelsea against Bayer Leverkusen in a pre-season friendly.
Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
Pat Nevin blown away by Estevao Willian’s Chelsea debut
Like the Chelsea fanbase, Pat Nevin was massively impressed by what he saw from Estevao during his first outing in Blues colours.
The teenager got on the scoresheet and looked a major goal threat. In addition, he created and combined well with his teammates, especially with Cole Palmer.
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In the first-half, Estevao’s free-kick was crossed dangerously into penalty area, but nobody could connect with it. In response, Nevin compared the delivery to former Blues star Cesc Fabregas. He said on Channel 5 (7:27pm, 8 August): “That was Fabregas-esque the way he put that in there. Once again, Estevao, he’s having a lovely first 45 minutes.”
Nevin later commented on Estevao (7:30pm): “You don’t get carried away with friendlies, but everything he touches at the moment… From the first minute the defender has been on his heels. The understanding he’s got with the players around him has been absolutely superb. He has lit this game up.”
Estevao, wearing the No.41 shirt, looked irresistible during his first Chelsea appearance. Of course, it was just a pre-season game and the true test lies ahead, but it’s very encouraging to see how he looked so comfortable on the Stamford Bridge turf.
Estevao Willian playing for Chelsea against Bayer Leverkusen in a pre-season friendly.
Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Estevao Willian is not shy in front of goal
There were so many positives from Estevao’s first minutes in a Chelsea shirt. In particular, his confidence and desire to shoot massively stood out.
Minutes played Goals Total shots Chances created Accurate passes Touches in opposition box Successful dribbles Match rating
77 1 7 3 25/30 (83%) 9 1/3 (33%) 8.3
Estevao Willian for Chelsea vs Bayer Leverkusen via FOTMOB
Earlier this week, Maresca said Estevao can play multiple positions because he’s such a versatile attacker. It’s quite remarkable that he’s already shown a snippet of that on his debut.
We were quite doubtful about the chances of Estevao starting Chelsea’s opening game of the Premier League season at home to Crystal Palace (17 August), but he’s surely done himself no harm of playing that match with Friday night’s quality display.