Chelsea’s coach Enzo Maresca received advice from his Palmeiras counterpart Abel Ferreira to "nurture" teenage sensation Estevan Willian. Estevan’s impressive strike during the quarter-final match against Chelsea couldn’t prevent the Premier League team from advancing to the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals.
After Estevan leveled the score in the first half, his 83rd-minute goal sealed a 2-1 victory for Chelsea, setting them up for a semi-final clash with New Jersey’s Fulminence next Tuesday. The 18-year-old made headlines by earning the Match of the Match title in what was Palmeiras’ final game before his transfer to Chelsea later this month. Estevan was acquired by Chelsea last summer for £33.8 million ($46.1 million) but loaned back to the Brazilian side.
Ferreira emphasized the importance of Chelsea carefully managing the young talent. "I spoke with Maresca earlier," Ferreira remarked to reporters. "He’s a fantastic coach, and I told him, ‘Not only did you get excellent players, but also remarkable individuals.’ Estevan is only 18, so Chelsea must support him and embrace his arrival."
He continued, "As we witnessed today, he possesses extraordinary skills and can turn the game on its head." Ferreira noted that he initially underestimated Estevan’s strength, but he quickly demonstrated his power and ability. "He may seem slim, but he’s strong and speedy, showing great dribbling skills. Chelsea invested significantly in him."
Ferreira also humorously advised Estevan to brace himself for life in the UK, joking, "The sun isn’t the same! You might see it a couple of times a year, and it sets much earlier." He expressed confidence that Chelsea would provide the necessary support for the young player, acknowledging Estevan’s potential while stressing the importance of guidance.
After witnessing Estevan’s performance, Maresca expressed satisfaction: "It was the perfect night. I’m pleased he scored, and we won." He praised Estevan’s talent and asserted, "When coming from South America or elsewhere, adaptation is vital, but we’re here to help. There’s no doubt he will become integral to Chelsea."
Fan Take: Estevan Willian’s gradual emergence is a crucial storyline for soccer enthusiasts, as it highlights Chelsea’s commitment to nurturing young talent in a competitive environment. His potential impact not only shapes Chelsea’s future but also signals a growing trend in soccer toward valuing youth development, which could shift the dynamics of leagues worldwide.
