Chelsea fans are convinced they have a superstar in their ranks when it comes to Estevao Willian after his electric start to life at Stamford Bridge.
Estevao is being compared to Lamine Yamal ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Barcelona in the Champions League, and the Brazilian is certainly a player who could have been featuring for a side of that stature.
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Real Madrid are internally fuming they didn’t sign Estevao, however it was another European giant who were rivalling the Blues for his signature.
Chelsea pipped PSG to Estevao’s signature, and he continued to feature at Palmeiras until officially joining the Blues over the summer.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty ImagesEstevao chose Chelsea over PSG due to pathway to Brazil 2026 World Cup squad
The opportunity to feature for the side who were on their way to winning the Champions League was no doubt appealing, however Chelsea made sure they made assurances to Estevao to convince him to move to Stamford Bridge instead.
According to BBC Sport, the Blues promised the Brazil international substantial first team minutes as soon as he arrived at the club, helping him out with his ambition of featuring at the World Cup in 2026.
While Enzo Maresca is doing his best to protect his brilliant but young talent, his impact on the first team squad has been emphatic since he joined.
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty ImagesEstevao primed for big World Cup campaign
Despite being just 18 years of age, it has not taken the winger long to be a firm part of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans with Brazil.
Carlo Ancelotti has high hopes for Estevao Willian
“Estevao has incredible talent on the right. With him, Brazil has a guarnateed future.”
Carlo Ancelotti
Despite the quality of Raphinha and Vinicius Jr in the Brazil squad, it has been Estevao scoring frequently in their recent games.
He also stepped up to take a penalty in their last friendly match, proving that he is happy dealing with the responsibility and pressure that comes with being the go-to man for Brazil.
There is a huge chance for Estevao to start for his country in North America next summer, and this is largely down to Chelsea giving him the platform to succeed.