Going deeper for this season alone, Estevao has made more appearances (16 compared to 12), but Yamal has seen more minutes (978 to 657).
On a per 90-minute basis, Yamal is equal to Estevao in terms of goals, but has provided more assists, taken more shots, taken more touches in the opposition box, completed more dribbles and created more chances.
However, Estevao has a better shot conversion rate (13.8% compared to 11.3%) and a higher expected goals figure (0.7 to 0.4), while matching Yamal’s 0.3 expected assist score.
There is also a stylistic element: both players are left-footed and operate as inverted wingers on the right flank. Estevao is expected to move into the number 10 as his career develops – like his Chelsea teammate Cole Palmer – while Yamal is likely to remain on the wing.
Estevao is also being compared to his compatriot Neymar, surpassing the former Barcelona and PSG attacker’s record at Santos after he became the first under-18 player to score and assist a combined 20 goals in the Brazilian top flight.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said the Brazil international has a bright future.
“Estevao is already playing at a high level,” he said. “He is already starting for Brazil, of course he is very young, of course he can do many things better, but we are very happy with him.
“For people who love football it is good to see players like Estevao, Lamin Yamal, Pedri, that is the beauty of football, so we are happy that Estevao is with us, and for sure he will do well.
“For me personally the most important thing for Estevao is that he has to enjoy football, he has to be happy, he has to not think about being better than this player or another player, he just has to be better than himself day by day, try to work harder, improve.”
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