Willian’s Optimism for Chelsea’s New Signing
Former Chelsea player Willian has expressed strong confidence in the club’s recent acquisition, Estêvão, predicting he could match the prowess of young talent Lamine Yamal. In a conversation with ESPN Brasil, Willian, who is currently a free agent after a stint at Fulham last season, praised the 18-year-old winger’s skills and potential.
“He possesses significant talent and, being so young, he has the ability to grow, much like Lamine Yamal, as they share a comparable style of play,” Willian noted.
Estêvão’s Transfer and Performance
Estêvão was signed by Chelsea from Brazilian club Palmeiras last summer for an initial sum reported to be €34 million (approximately $37 million), with the possibility of the total rising to around €67 million depending on his performance. He will officially join the club post-Club World Cup, having registered 13 goals and 12 assists in 43 matches in Brazil’s Serie A, alongside four appearances for the national team.
Advice on Transitioning to English Football
Willian, who has made 234 appearances for Chelsea during his career, advised Estêvão to fully commit himself to his new role. He remarked on the differences in the competitive landscape of English football compared to Brazil, emphasizing that additional hard work will be crucial once he arrives at Chelsea.
“His mindset seems strong, and there’s no questioning his ability to perform at a high level with a prestigious team like Chelsea. I hope he can quickly acclimate to the style of play here and find success,” Willian stated.
Upcoming Matches
Estêvão’s former team, Palmeiras, will commence their Club World Cup journey with a match against FC Porto on June 15, while Chelsea is set to face León the following day on June 16.
