Chelsea signing Estevao Willian has quickly won over supporters at Stamford Bridge during his first minutes for the club in pre-season. Can he now introduce himself to Premier League audiences in style this weekend?
The wait is finally over for Chelsea fans because Estevao Willian, 18, is now their player after joining from Palmeiras this summer.
Last week, the teenage attacker featured in both friendly matches at Stamford Bridge, which are the Blues’ only games as part of a short pre-season schedule because of the Club World Cup. He made his mark in both of the warm-up fixtures, too.
Estevao scored on his unofficial debut last Friday during the 2-0 victory against Bayer Leverkusen. Afterwards, German media praised Estevao because of his performance against the Bundesliga outfit.
The Brazilian rising star then shone in Sunday’s 4-1 win against AC Milan with a cameo off the bench, which included earning a spot-kick that teammate Liam Delap converted.
Pat Nevin predicts even rival fans will enjoy Estevao Willian
After just two pre-season appearances for Chelsea, Pat Nevin is completely sold on Estevao. In fact, he’s expecting rival supporters to enjoy watching the South American talent as he develops and settles in West London.
Writing in his BBC Football Extra newsletter (11 August), Nevin said: “Chelsea currently seem addicted to buying wide players but that is no bad thing if one of them is the stunning Brazilian Estevao…
“The important point is that there could be a new kid on the block. The 18-year-old Brazilian Estevao fits the bill. Chelsea fans are head over heels already and I feel the same, after only two friendlies.
“It is early days and there are dangers along the road, but Estevao has the skill, confidence, vision, personality, game awareness and the pace. I can’t wait to watch him develop, enjoy the skills and hopefully watch him become a legendary player at the club. I am sure fans of other clubs will enjoy watching him too, he could be that good.”
Estevao, who’s been called “special” by Gary Lineker, arrives with a huge expectation. Based on his first week at Stamford Bridge, we think the youngster is going to settle quickly into Enzo Maresca’s group.
The versatile attacker usually plays as a right-winger but can cover as a No.10, so it will be interesting to see how close he gets to a spot in the starting line-up.
On Sunday, the Blues begin their new Premier League season with a fixture at home against Crystal Palace. While Chelsea supporters want Estevao starting against Palace this weekend, it will be interesting to see if he’s thrown straight into the XI for a Premier League debut against tough opposition.
Estevao Willian creates chances for fun
It remains to be seen how quickly Estevao will establish himself in Chelsea’s XI because he’s got some stiff competition from his teammates. However, we do expect him to be super dangerous when he’s on the pitch.
According to FOTMOB, Estevao created five chances across his Chelsea two appearances against Leverkusen and Milan in pre-season, which was across just 107 minutes of action.
At Palmeiras, where he was a first-team star, Estevao was a chief creator as well.
Chelsea forwards such as Joao Pedro and Liam Delap could have a field day with service on a plate from the likes of Estevao, Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto.
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