Estevao Willian has certainly made an impressive start to his Chelsea career.
There was plenty of excitement about the transfer move of Estevao Willian to Chelsea, and we’re already beginning to see why the youngster was so highly thought of in Brazil.
The 18-year-old right-winger, who played 83 first-team games for Palmeiras, arrived at Stamford Bridge this summer with a lot of experience for someone his age. He’s also earned five senior international caps for Brazil, too.
Estevao impressed on his competitive Chelsea debut against Crystal Palace last week, making an eye-catching cameo from the bench in the 1-1 draw. On Friday night, he was handed his first-ever Premier League start in the 5-1 victory away to West Ham.
The Brazilian teenager was awarded the Player of the Match following his impressive performance, which included his first assist in Chelsea colours for Enzo Fernandez’s goal.
Jermain Defoe looks on prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between England and Malta at Wembley Stadium.
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Jermain Defoe hails ‘mature’ Chelsea talent Estevao Willian
Jermain Defoe, the former Premier League striker, really liked what he saw from Chelsea’s Estevao against West Ham. In particular, he highlighted the maturity in the youngster’s passing.
Defoe said via Premier League predictions (22 August): “He’s just direct. He should have scored here, to be honest, but he’s 18, and he’ll learn in the final third to be more efficient. I like when he gets it and the change of speed. He just drives at defences. A lot of the time he picks the right pass; it’s quite mature in that way. Just really sharp.”
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We agree that the intelligent pass selection from Estevao is far superior to what you would usually see from any youngster.
Minutes played Assists Accurate passes Successful dribbles Fouls committed Ground duels won Match rating
77 1 27/33 (82%) 2/3 (67%) 1 5/8 (63%) 8.0
Estevao Willian statistics during Chelsea vs West Ham via FOTMOB
Jamie Redknapp waxed lyrical about Estevao after watching him live against West Ham, where he played with a freedom and directness going forward that stood out. At this rate, he could quickly establish himself as a key starter in the XI.
Many people criticise the Blues for signing so many youngsters from across the globe, but Estevao comes with quite a unique profile because he’s mature beyond his years.
Estevao of Chelsea during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Chelsea
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
The Brazilian heritage at Chelsea
In the 21st century, some fantastic Brazilians have played for Chelsea, including the likes of Willian and Thiago Silva.
We’re intrigued to see how current Brazilian duo Joao Pedro and Estevao compare to their predecessors by the time they’re finished at Chelsea.
Player Appearances Goals
Willian 339 63
Oscar 203 38
Ramires 251 34
David Luiz 248 18
Alex 134 10
Top five Brazilian goalscorers at Chelsea
Pedro has four goals in his opening five Blues appearances, while Estevao is still waiting to get off the mark for the club in a competitive fixture. The early signs are that the South American duo can be key players for Enzo Maresca’s side moving forward.