Despite being remarkably young still, there is plenty expected of Estevao Willian in his first season as a player at Chelsea.
An 18-year-old being bought for big money would normally spend some time on loan away, but the talent of Estevao has seen Enzo Maresca decide he is already good enough to compete for minutes at Stamford Bridge.
The Brazil international has made his first appearances at his new home stadium during the club’s very limited pre-season, however certainly made his mark. Gary Lineker described Estevao as ‘a little bit special’.
An appearance against Crystal Palace in the Blues’ first game of the season could see the youngster have his chance to write himself in the record books. Estevao has the chance to become Chelsea’s youngest debutant to score in the Premier League.
Chelsea Training Session And Press Conference
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Pedro Neto takes Estevao Willian under his wing at Chelsea
He is up against Pedro Neto for a place on the right of attack, however the Portugal international is in sparkling form following on from the Club World Cup campaign.
Despite competing for a role on the pitch, it seems as if off the pitch Neto has been crucial for helping the youngster settle in to his new surroundings.
According to the Mail Online, the Portuguese-speaking players have taken Estevao under their wing, with Neto at the forefront.
There was an effort to welcome the youngster when he was actually an opponent in his final game for Palmeiras. He found the net in stunning style against the Blues, before eventually being defeated 2-1.
Chelsea v AC Milan - Pre-Season Friendly
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Estevao hinted at playing new position this season
Despite looking set to play on the right wing, Enzo Maresca has hinted that he could look to deploy the Brazilian in another role at times in the upcoming campaign.
The manager was asked about his plans for the striker role if Joao Pedro and Liam Delap were both unavailable, with Nicolas Jackson free to leave this summer.
Maresca mentioned Estevao as an option to play up front, alongside a host of other attackers, including Neto.
For now though, he will be fully focused on a potential debut against Palace, and looking to dazzle his new supporters in the Premier League for the first time.