Reasonable Caution
There is a reasonable amount of hesitation surrounding a talent like Estevão Willian. At the top of all the reasons is his young age and the years of development still ahead. We have all witnessed tales of the “next big thing” soon becoming the next loan out.
Chelsea and Enzo Maresca cannot be blamed for taking their time and allowing room for an 18-year-old to adapt to a new country, language, and culture — all before stepping onto the pitch. But in purely footballing terms, it is impossible to avoid excitement.
The obvious highlight came from his joyous late winner to down Liverpool before the international break — a moment so romantic it would not have been out of place in a cinema.
But beyond that one huge moment, Estevão has also lived up to the hype that surrounded his arrival from Palmeiras. The dazzling trickery, the unbridled confidence, the undeniable influence when he receives the ball — all of it has been on full display.
Palmer Out
Maresca confirmed in his press conference ahead of the trip to Nottingham Forest that Cole Palmer is set for another six weeks on the sidelines. That would rule Palmer out of Chelsea’s next nine games, leading up to the end of November.
Even if Palmer is ready to face Arsenal on November 30th, his injury casts a regretful shadow over Chelsea’s season and their aspirations.
However, not all is lost. Chelsea found a way past Liverpool without their talismanic showstealer. All they can do now is keep calm and carry on.
Estevão In
This is where having an abundance of energy to burn becomes a gift. Whenever the Brazilian is playing, he proves highly influential. The numbers show that Estevão is rivaling — and bettering — other wingers in the Premier League.
Via DataMB, he ranks:
- Top for xG + xA
- Top for non-penalty xG + xA
- Top for xG overall
- Top for non-penalty xG
- Top for cross accuracy
- Second for xA
The eye test has only vindicated those numbers. Shortly before he arrived at the back post to win the game against Liverpool, Estevão’s wonderfully carved cross should have been buried by Enzo Fernández.
His connection with the Argentine has been fruitful — he assisted his South American teammate in Chelsea’s rout over West Ham back in August. His trickery against Brighton helped cement Chelsea’s dominance before Trevoh Chalobah’s red card changed everything.
Magic in those Boots
There is a tangible magic some players possess — when their feet touch the ball, the crowd tingles with anticipation. It’s a testament to Estevão’s quick impression that those inside Stamford Bridge are already giving him that response. And bear in mind, many supporters wouldn’t have watched much of him in Brazil.
The unfortunate reality for Estevão is that circumstances beyond his control have limited his minutes so far. Illness ruled him out of the draw with Brentford, while he was sacrificed early against Manchester United and Brighton as Maresca reacted to red cards.
Chelsea now need to click into gear and capitalize on the momentum from their victory over Liverpool. Nottingham Forest, Sunderland, and Wolves all await in the next block of fixtures, with Burnley following after the final international break of the year.
These are all matches where Estevão should see plenty of the ball — giving him a creative platform to help Chelsea unlock stubborn defences.
Replacing Palmer is a tall task. At his age, Estevão should still be supported by older teammates. But the eye test and the data don’t lie: the platform is there for a young star to rise.
You can follow my coverage of Chelsea on YouTube at SonOfChelsea. More written coverage of the club on Substack. Follow me on X for more thoughts, along with listening to the podcast.
