Estevao Willian has come in for a lot of praise after making his full debut for Chelsea on Friday.
Marc Cucurella is one individual who has been lauding the Chelsea youngster, who gave West Ham United defenders a torrid time.
For the Blues’ third goal, Estevao breezed past a few West Ham players before passing the ball to Enzo Fernandez, who had an easy tap in.
Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe thought Estevao’s performance was “mature”, and he is not the only one.
Marc Cucurella #3 of Chelsea FC reacts during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final
Photo by Justin Setterfield – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Marc Cucurella describes Chelsea wonderkid Estevao Willian as ‘very mature’
Cucurella also thought that Estevao showed a lot of maturity at the London Stadium, with the winger being drafted into the team at the last minute following an injury to Cole Palmer.
Speaking to the Evening Standard and other outlets after the game, Cucurella said: “He showed that he is very mature. He is very young. In theory, he started on the bench. Then in five minutes he needed to get ready.
“He needs to continue to learn and listen to tactics and everything. He had an amazing game. He had the opportunity to score at the end, but he has a lot of quality. He can improve a lot, and hopefully he can continue in this way.”
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Chelsea’s next game in the Premier League is against Fulham, and fans will now be hoping that Estevao retains his spot in the side, especially if Palmer is not back by then.
There is a good chance that the attacking midfielder does miss the west London derby. According to journalist Simon Phillips, while nothing has been confirmed yet as he awaits a scan, Palmer could be out for several weeks.
It would be a huge blow for Chelsea, though Estevao may be able to soften it.
Estevao of Chelsea during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Chelsea
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
What Trevoh Chalobah has said about Estevao Willian
Another Chelsea star, Trevoh Chalobah, also liked what he saw from Estevao at the London Stadium.
When Chalobah discussed Estevao’s performance after the full-time whistle, he said: “He’s done really well. Young player, we all know what quality he has. He’s going to keep growing and growing. Hopefully he’ll help us this season.”
Estevao looks like he will be an important player for Enzo Maresca this term but so does Chalobah.
The 26-year-old has started both of Chelsea’s first two matches, with Levi Colwill sidelined with an ACL injury.
Borussia Dortmund have been linked with Chalobah, but given the situation that Chelsea are in and the England international’s form, there is no chance of them letting him go before deadline day.