Before the UEFA Champions League match between Chelsea and Barcelona, it seemed too early to compare young talents Estebao Willian and Lamine Yamal. However, after the match, that comparison feels more justified.
Estevao, at just 18, made a significant impact during Chelsea’s 3-0 victory on Tuesday, scoring a remarkable goal that overshadowed Yamal’s performance.
Even though 18-year-old Yamal has had impressive achievements, such as winning the European Championship and La Liga twice, and being a Ballon d’Or runner-up, he’s not likely to lose any sleep over this match. His career is at an exciting point, and he has plenty of time ahead to shine.
Barcelona’s current 15th place in the Champions League group stage isn’t alarming, given they still have three matches against teams like Bayer Leverkusen and Copenhagen that they should be able to win.
This opportunity could elevate Estevao and Chelsea into discussions at the highest levels of football, offering hope to a fan base that has seen a massive transformation since their 2021 Champions League win.
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Estevao’s potential seems limitless, and he may very well redefine expectations. Those anticipating Yamal to shine again were left wanting, as Estevao delivered a performance that made Yamal’s contributions appear less significant.
With Chelsea already ahead after a comical own goal by Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo’s red card, Estevao took charge, brilliantly maneuvering past defenders to score a stunning goal that left the crowd in awe.
As the cameras focused on Yamal’s response, trying to look unfazed, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca showed disbelief at the unfolding events while Estevao reveled in the victory.
Maresca later noted, “Estevao’s goal reminded me of one he scored against us during the Club World Cup—very similar but equally impressive.” This was notably significant since Chelsea had just confirmed Estevao’s transfer from Palmeiras after that tournament.
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What makes Estevan such a special player for Chelsea?
Stewart Robson and Craig Burley discuss Estevan’s performance against Barcelona and his contribution to Chelsea’s attack.
Maresca emphasized the importance of allowing Estevao to enjoy his football and expressed concern about the pressures of being compared to legends like Messi and Ronaldo, suggesting it could be overwhelming for such young talents.
Estevao has also become the third player to score in the first three Champions League matches, joining the ranks of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. His five goals this season equal the total for all under-18 players in the Premier League combined.
Throughout the match against Barcelona, Chelsea maintained their intensity and nearly scored a fourth goal through substitute Liam Delap, whose goal was eventually confirmed after a VAR review. This marked a significant moment for Delap, scoring just his second goal since joining Chelsea.
While Barcelona’s Ferran Torres made an early error, the team struggled to keep pace, especially after Araujo’s dismissal, marking a troubling night for a team that had not faced such issues in 14 years.
Chelsea delivered an impressive performance, breaking free from the previous reliance on Cole Palmer for creativity.
The ‘world champions’ title had felt diminished, but nights like this could reinforce Chelsea’s growing legitimacy as a top contender.
As former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney noted, “We didn’t even mention Cole Palmer tonight. That was a remarkable performance by Chelsea.”
While Estevao’s protection remains a priority, the challenge becomes greater. This was just his ninth start, yet the urge to deploy him against Premier League leaders Arsenal is compelling. Is it feasible to shield him moving forward?
Maresca reassured fans that the game plan would guide team choices, with Pedro Neto also in the mix for playing time. He acknowledged Estevao’s capabilities, indicating he could see ample playtime.
Yamal was taken off with 11 minutes left, visibly frustrated and coping with Chelsea fans’ taunts. However, Yamal’s bright future is undeniable, similar to the promising path ahead for Estevao and Chelsea, who left the pitch to a standing ovation.
After celebrating with teammates, Estevao reached out to shake hands with Cole Palmer, symbolizing the exciting potential they hold together.
The emergence of talents like Estevao and Yamal is crucial for the future of soccer, as it breeds a new era of players who can redefine the game. Their performances not only excite fans but also elevate the standard of play within top clubs, making every match an opportunity for thrilling developments.
