The Next Neymar? What Chelsea fans can expect from Estevao
Chelsea have been on a relentless mission to scout and sign the most promising young talents from around the world. This pursuit led them to Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian from Palmeiras.
Palmeiras boast an incredible generation of talent coming through their academy. While Chelsea missed out on Endrick, they ensured they were first in line for his equally prodigious teammate, Estevao.
Now a mainstay in Palmeiras' first team, Estevao has started 11 of the 15 games in the Brazilian Serie A this season. He shows no signs of being phased by the pressure, already taking on significant responsibility within the team.
With five goals and three assists this season, the 17-year-old has twice the goal contributions of any other player in the team.
He also ranks first for successful dribbles, shots on target, big chances created, and possession won in the final third within the Palmeiras squad.
Chelsea fans will need to wait to see him in action, though, as the winger will remain with Palmeiras for the season before moving to west London in the summer of 2025.
Estevao Transfer Value - how much is he worth now?
According to FootballTransfer's Player Valuation Model, Estevao currently has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €6.9m.
South America is a key region for scouting young talent, and while Real Madrid typically dominates this market, Chelsea has shown they are prepared to do what it takes to attract the best.
Despite Estevao playing less than 1,500 senior minutes, the Blues parted with a fee that could rise to over €55m. This significant premium for a teenager highlights the intense competition for securing the best young talents.
What does Estevao bring to the table?
Estevao is a left-footed winger who operates on the right. He embodies the flair we expect from a Brazilian attacker, with two-way dribbling skills that are nearly impossible for most defences to contain.
It's rare for such a young player to become a regular starter in both the domestic league and the Copa Libertadores, and manager Abel Ferreira is full of praise for his 5ft 9in winger.
"He knows how to attack, defend, take the game on, and dribble. He is different from anything I’ve ever seen in football," he said.
Estevao is a force in transitions. Despite playing in only his first season as a starter, his 3.3 successful take-ons and 1.75 carries into penalty area rank him among the top 6% of wingers in the Brazilian top flight.
The Brazil U17 international can rapidly change direction to create separation and then has the composure to whip in a cross or shoot with his stronger left foot.
His 0.35 Expected Goals (xG) and 0.27 Expected Assists (xA) per 90 are both league-leading figures, highlighting why he was being chased by the biggest teams on the continent.
The teenager’s influence is growing with each game, and he has become arguably the main player looking to change the game for his team.
His teammates are also responding to this rise in status, by constantly looking to feed him the ball and allowing him to take set-piece responsibilities.
Estevao's vision and footwork always get the crowd on the edge of their seats and will be something that Stamford Bridge regulars should be very excited about.
While the Palmeiras number 41 might not be as refined as Lamine Yamal, the next 12 months will give him more time and space to grow as a player.
There are also some doubts about whether he can cope with the physical nature of the Premier League.
However, Estevao has grown accustomed to playing with older players throughout his youth, and his ability to seamlessly adapt to a higher level of intensity and physicality will serve him well as he tries to make his mark on the European stage.
This article was provided by FootballTransfers
