Estevao Willian's phenomenal display for Chelsea against Barcelona has raised eyebrows, as the 18-year-old forward outshone his Spanish counterpart Lamine Yamal. The young Brazilian, signed from Palmeiras in the summer for ยฃ51m, was instrumental in Chelsea's 3-0 victory over the depleted Catalan side.
With the game already 1-0 up and Barcelona down to 10 men, Estevao seized the opportunity to showcase his skills, collecting a pass from Reece James before unleashing a rasping drive past goalkeeper Joan Garcia into the roof of the net. The goal was a masterclass performance, with former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin describing it as "wonderful in a number of ways."
Nevin praised Estevao's footwork, intelligence, and movement, stating that he looks like a natural on the pitch. Daniel Sturridge, speaking on Amazon Prime, also highlighted the anticipation and expectation surrounding Yamal but noted that Estevao was "absolutely brilliant." The Brazilian forward expressed his gratitude, saying it was his best moment in football so far.
However, not all of Estevao's teammates were as fortunate. Left-back Marc Cucurella, who faced off against Yamal, found himself struggling to cope with the young Spanish forward's pace and skill. Despite Yamal's impressive start, he eventually became "lost" as Cucurella expertly marshaled him.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca acknowledged that his team had a game plan in place but emphasized that Estevao was an integral part of it. Maresca cautioned against putting too much pressure on the young players, comparing them to football legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
As Estevao Willian continues to shine for Chelsea, questions remain about whether he and Yamal can reach similar heights in their careers. The Brazilian forward's exceptional display has sparked debate about his potential, with many believing that he has a bright future ahead of him in the world of football.
With the game already 1-0 up and Barcelona down to 10 men, Estevao seized the opportunity to showcase his skills, collecting a pass from Reece James before unleashing a rasping drive past goalkeeper Joan Garcia into the roof of the net. The goal was a masterclass performance, with former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin describing it as "wonderful in a number of ways."
Nevin praised Estevao's footwork, intelligence, and movement, stating that he looks like a natural on the pitch. Daniel Sturridge, speaking on Amazon Prime, also highlighted the anticipation and expectation surrounding Yamal but noted that Estevao was "absolutely brilliant." The Brazilian forward expressed his gratitude, saying it was his best moment in football so far.
However, not all of Estevao's teammates were as fortunate. Left-back Marc Cucurella, who faced off against Yamal, found himself struggling to cope with the young Spanish forward's pace and skill. Despite Yamal's impressive start, he eventually became "lost" as Cucurella expertly marshaled him.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca acknowledged that his team had a game plan in place but emphasized that Estevao was an integral part of it. Maresca cautioned against putting too much pressure on the young players, comparing them to football legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
As Estevao Willian continues to shine for Chelsea, questions remain about whether he and Yamal can reach similar heights in their careers. The Brazilian forward's exceptional display has sparked debate about his potential, with many believing that he has a bright future ahead of him in the world of football.