Chelsea have spent plenty of money again this summer on new players as they look to build a side genuinely capable of winning the Premier League.
Enzo Maresca had the Club World Cup to get his first look at the likes of Liam Delap and Dario Essugo, before Joao Pedro joined up with the squad and took the tournament by storm.
The Brazilian has kept up his excellent start to life at Chelsea with goals in both pre-season friendlies against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan. Joe Cole has waxed lyrical about the addition of Pedro to the first team squad.
A number of big names have come in to Stamford Bridge this summer, however one player has captured the attention of Chelsea fans more than the rest.
Estevao Willian celebrates scoring during Chelsea FC v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Pre-Season Friendly
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Gary Lineker describes Chelsea’s Estevao Willian as ‘a little bit special’
Estevao Willian will remain with the first team squad despite being just 18 years of age, and has already shown exactly what he can do in his first start against Milan.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink raved about Estevao as he scored his first goal in West London, and there is so much excitement over what the youngster can do in his first campaign in European football.
Gary Lineker is also clearly a big fan of the Brazil international, describing him as ‘a little bit special’, while stating that he believes Chelsea are a guarantee to finish in the top four again next season.
He said to The Rest is Football: “Enzo Maresca’s done a fabulous job there. Finished fourth last season, the Club World Cup champions. They’ve bought in, as they do every year. Delap, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Estevao, the youngster who looks a little bit special, and Jorrel Hato.
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“I definitely think Champions League places. They could be the team that goes very close to the title.”
Gary Lineker provides punditry during Chelsea FC v Paris Saint-Germain: Final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
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Chelsea fans want Estevao to start vs Crystal Palace
There is plenty of competition to start in attack for Chelsea’s first Premier League game against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.
Jamie Gittens and Pedro Neto both looked extremely bright during the two pre-season games, and Chelsea fans are keen on the Portuguese star being named in the side for the London derby.
However, Blues supporters also want Estevao to start, despite Maresca making it clear that the youngster will need time to settle in to his new surroundings.
There continues to be talk over making more attacking signings too. Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho are continuing to be mentioned as targets before the window closes.