Chelsea talent Estevao Willian sits top of the Premier League in one statistic after two games

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It’s been a pleasant surprise to see how quickly new signing Estevao Willian has adapted at Chelsea.

Estevao Willian, 18, arrived at Stamford Bridge this summer with a lot of hype around his name because of his rise in Brazilian football with Palmeiras. However, many people doubted how quickly the teenage attacker could adapt to the Premier League.

The early signs are that the Brazil international is ready to be a key player for Enzo Maresca’s side this season.

Chelsea supporters fell in love with Estevao immediately after he came off the bench for his Premier League debut in the goalless draw against Crystal Palace to start the season.

Last week, the skilful right-winger followed it up with his first-ever competitive start for the Blues. He provided an assist and a quality performance in the 5-1 league win away to West Ham. Jamie Redknapp even waxed lyrical about Estevao after his display at the London Stadium, where he expressed his obvious individual talent on the biggest stage.

• READ MORE: How Marc Cucurella has described Estevao Willian after watching him against West Ham

Estevao Willian tops Premier League statistic for expected assists

After the opening two gameweeks of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, Chelsea youngster Estevao is top for expected assists so far across the entire division.

Even though Estevao is still yet to complete a full 90 minutes, he’s looked very dangerous when he’s on the pitch. As hinted above, he gets into some great areas and looks to deliver for his teammates.

The South American teenager is mature beyond his years because he’s come to West London with a lot of first-team experience under his belt already. Of course, the youngster’s challenge is to fulfil his potential surrounded by top-class players in the Premier League. He definitely doesn’t look out of place at Chelsea or in the division, though.

Jermain Defoe spotted a maturity in Estevao’s passing, and it’s why we expect him to rack up plenty of assists during his debut season in Chelsea colours.

Estevao Willian must start against Fulham

When Chelsea host Fulham on Saturday afternoon in their final match before the international break, Estevao should be lining up in the starting XI.

If Maresca selects his team on current form, the teenage talent walks into the line-up because he’s been a breath of fresh air in the opening two games. We’re sure that the home crowd would be ecstatic to see him start in back-to-back matches.

Cole Palmer may miss the Fulham showdown because of his groin injury, but the good news is that it’s not a serious problem that will cause a long-term absence.

With Palmer not expected to play in the London derby, we’d love to see again Estevao, Joao Pedro and Pedro Neto again as an attacking trio behind Liam Delap as the central striker. We’ve seen Estevao loves to operate from that right flank but has a tendency to drift infield on his stronger left foot.