With almost 200 appearances as a Chelsea winger, Pat Nevin has some authority in these kinds of conversations.
Nevin spent five years at Chelsea in the 1980s, and since retiring, he has been an avid watcher and pundit with a focus on his former club.
The Scot has seen some of Chelsea’s greatest players pass through at Stamford Bridge, and he thinks a current Blue has what it takes to be mentioned among the very best.
And he’s reached this verdict after just two months.
Pat Nevin says Estevao Willian can reach the heights of Eden Hazard and Gianfranco Zola
After just nine games, Estevao is already adored by Chelsea fans, especially after his last-minute winner against the reigning champions.
The Brazilian’s style of play is as unpredictable as it is exhilarating, and Nevin has seen enough to make a bold claim.
🗣 Pat Nevin: “Style-wise, Chelsea have got this long list from Gianfranco Zola, Eden Hazard, Juan Mata was much, much loved down there.
Estevao will be one of them. If Chelsea treat him right, if they stick by him, if he doesn’t get injured, he will be in that pantheon.” pic.twitter.com/lbv7dUGBQ4
— Vince™ (@Blue_Footy) October 14, 2025
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In words captured on X, Nevin says: “Style-wise, Chelsea have got this long list from Gianfranco Zola, Eden Hazard, Juan Mata was much, much loved down there.
“Estevao will be one of them. If Chelsea treat him right, if they stick by him, if he doesn’t get injured, he will be in that pantheon.”
That’s the kind of comparison that already makes Estevao must-see TV after just a couple of months in England.
It’s not the first time Nevin has raved about Estevao. As a winger himself, he clearly sees traits that set the 18-year-old apart.
Estevao surely starts against Forest
After Estevao’s masterclass for Brazil against South Korea, it’s three goals in his last two. That flying form will have him full of confidence, which is exactly what will get the best out of his style of play.
Enzo Maresca will have been pleased to see him rested on Tuesday, after reports that the Chelsea star came down with the flu.
Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images
But he was back in training with Brazil, suggesting he will be ready for the weekend if called upon.
With Pedro Neto’s mini-slump and Cole Palmer’s absence, it feels like Estevao is the obvious choice to face a struggling Forest.