You should not have to rely on an 18-year-old to rally the troops in the midst of a crisis. But for Chelsea, that was exactly the case on Saturday evening after Iliman Ndiaye curled a stunning strike into the top corner for Everton’s third and final goal in their 3-0 victory at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Blues players looked dejected, bickering among themselves as the home supporters erupted in celebration. Then, just over five minutes after entering as a substitute for his first appearance in more than a month, Estevao Willian sprinted past his teammates to retrieve the ball from the net. A comeback seemed almost impossible given Chelsea’s performance, yet the Brazilian teenager took it upon himself to ignite a response.
Estevao wanted far more from his colleagues. It was telling that, in his brief cameo, he was the only one aggressively forcing the issue in the final third. He assumed responsibility that should never have fallen solely on his young shoulders — but it speaks volumes about the character of this special talent.
Chelsea knew precisely the type of player and person they were acquiring when they struck a deal with Palmeiras that could eventually reach £52 million, with the winger set to arrive at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2025. When the Blues faced Palmeiras in the Club World Cup quarter-final last summer, all eyes were on Estevao in what became his final match for the Brazilian club. He stole the headlines with a breathtaking solo goal that served as both a warning to his future employers and a thrilling preview of things to come.
Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira delivered a clear message to Chelsea after that last-eight tie: “I spoke before with [Enzo] Maresca. He is a nice coach and I told him, ‘you bought an amazing player, but more than this you bought an amazing person’. He is a kid that is 18 years old so Chelsea needs to take care of him. They need to embrace him because in the beginning, for sure, he will make mistakes.”
Ferreira’s assessment has proven spot on. While Estevao is far from the finished article, the frightening reality is that his attacking ability is already elite — and he has shown remarkably few “mistakes” so far.
No player has made more Premier League appearances under the age of 19 this season than Estevao, who has featured 20 times, level with Wolves’ Mateus Mane. He also leads all under-19 players in chance creation (15, including assists) and completed dribbles (29). In all competitions during the Premier League era (since 1992-93), he has already scored more goals before turning 19 than any other Chelsea player in history.
How has this teenager, who moved across the world, made the transition look so seamless?
The Brazil international — who will hope to shine at this summer’s World Cup under Carlo Ancelotti — immediately began intensive English lessons upon arrival. His language skills have improved dramatically. He has also benefited from the presence of Brazilian compatriots Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos, whom he views as older brothers.
Joao Pedro recently highlighted their bond: “Our relationship [with Santos and Estevao] will build more and more, we play here in Chelsea and with the national team. We travel together and train together. I spend more time with them than with my family! We are always close in the training ground, outside also we always try and do something together. Because we are Brazilian, we came here to do the same thing.”
Estevao added warmly: “We have a lot of time together. I love you! My adaptation was a lot easier because you guys were here to help me and then try to help me every day.”
Family has also been central. His parents and sister relocated to the UK after his signing, providing vital support. When he collected the Young Player of the Year award at the London Football Awards earlier this month, his family was right there beside him.
Excitement around Estevao is immense, not just among fans but also senior Chelsea officials, who know they have landed a generational talent. Yet supporters are demanding more minutes. Since the turn of the year, injuries and cautious management have limited his involvement. Under Liam Rosenior, he has made just nine appearances across all competitions. A recent hamstring issue restricted him further, and he has completed a full 90 minutes only once since the coaching change.
In January, shortly after his appointment, Rosenior addressed the delicate balance required: “I understand why fans are frustrated when he’s not on the pitch because when you see him on the pitch, he just does magical things. He’s 18 years old, he’s come from a completely different culture, completely different way of playing, different weather, different intensity. ‘Protect’ is one word and I agree with that but ‘look after’ is probably a better term. I want him to have an outstanding career, I also want him to help us win now. There’s a fine balance between the two.”
That balance has become critical. Chelsea’s attack has faltered at the worst possible moment, failing to score in over three matches and desperately needing a spark. The solution is staring them in the face — but it requires a fundamental shift in how Estevao is deployed.
Rosenior must now find the courage to integrate the teenager more boldly between now and the end of the season. Chelsea should never have reached this precarious position, but here they are. Unleashing Estevao could not only rescue the campaign but also help win back disaffected supporters.