CThere is no comparison for Estevao Willian. The Brazil winger also did not take kindly to being given the nickname Messiinho – “Little Messi” early in his career. He called the nickname “disruptive” and clarified that he had no interest in trying to be like anyone else. “I don’t like comparisons,” the 18-year-old told ESPN Brazil last year. “For people who don’t know how to deal with it, it’s quite disruptive. It’s great to be my Estevao.”
There’s no doubt Chelsea agree. After all, aside from opposing defenders, who could possibly complain about Estevao just being Estevao? It is not without reason that he is widely expected to win the Ballon d’Or one day. The teenager’s talent is superb, his start to life in England has been better than expected and, although there is an obvious risk in praising a young prospect too much that it takes their eyes off the ball, it is telling that those who know Estevao well say that one of the qualities that sets him apart is his character.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is not worried about the Brazilians losing focus. For Chelsea, the concern is more about protecting Estevao from burnout as he adjusts to the physicality of the Premier League. He has made just seven starts in all competitions since his £52m move from Palmeiras last summer and went into his first meeting with Lamin Yamal knowing he can be held in the same esteem as Barcelona’s 18-year-old winger.
Estevao does not like comparisons to other players, the similarities with Lamine Yamal are striking. Both are left-footed, both play on the right and both love nothing more than taking full-backs to the cleaners. Both are devastating when they cut inside to deliver inswinging crosses or whip shots into the far corner, but neither can be accused of being predictable. For example, Estevao was at his creative best when he came on during Chelsea’s win against Wolves this month, driving outwards and using his right foot to cut the ball back for Joao Pedro to score. It was an electrifying cameo.
Chelsea have lost badly for Estevao. Fans love him and Stamford Bridge erupted when he scored his first league goal in dramatic circumstances, sliding in at the far post to grab a stoppage-time winner against Liverpool last month. This is clearly a brilliant performer, which is why Maresca can count on him to start when they visit Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Don’t expect to be overwhelmed by Estevao, who has scored four goals so far for Chelsea. He is already a starter for Brazil – he scored twice for his country during this month’s international break – and will make his 100th appearance at club level if he plays against Barca.
However, it is worth remembering that despite being three months older than the Spaniard, Estevao has not had as much elite competition experience as Lamine Yamal. Chelsea is in no rush. They agreed to his deal with Palmeiras in May 2024, but allowed Estévão to stay with the Brazilian club for another year and represent them at the Club World Cup last summer, meaning the majority of his football has been played in South America, where competition is fierce but still not as demanding as in Europe.
In contrast, Lamin Yamal has been competing at the top since the beginning. He turned 17 a day before helping Spain beat England in the Euro 2024 final, played a key role in Barcelona winning La Liga last season and finished second to Ousmane Dembele in the Ballon d’Or this year.
“They’re both very special players,” said Mark Cucurella, who played with Estevão at club level and Lamine Yamal for Spain. “They always want the ball. The only difference is that Lamine has been playing in Europe for maybe two or three seasons and Estevao has come into this season – but he is performing really well. If he continues to improve he can be at Lamine’s level.”
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Lamin Yamal probably has more depth in his game this time around. The dribbles are more inventive, more mesmerizing, and there are times when his crosses and passing defy logic. However, Chelsea see Estevao developing into a playmaker capable of operating as a number 10 and will also note that questions have arisen about Lamine Yamal’s behavior away from the pitch this season. Cucurella touched on that, saying there could be signs of the Barca star “perhaps being a bit more distracted”.
Of course, there was controversy surrounding Lamine Yamal’s withdrawal from the Spain squad this month. The impact of the injuries has been immense. A groin problem has troubled Lamine Yamal, although he was at his best by providing two assists during Barcelona’s 4-0 win against Athletic Bilbao last Saturday.
The onus falls on Cucurella to keep his international teammate quiet on Tuesday night. It’s a tough order but Chelsea themselves will back it up. Barcelona are excellent in attack but they missed chances and drew 3-3 with Club Brugge in their last Champions League game. Maresca, who said Cole Palmer is back in training after recovering from a broken toe, will be thinking about how to target the Spanish side’s high line.
There is a way to use Estevao’s magic on the right. Chelsea will back them to beat Lamin Yamal. When they were tracking him down, his background was thoroughly investigated. They loved his talent but they also loved the young man’s family. Estevao, the son of a pastor, had a good upbringing. This is why he doesn’t care much about measuring himself against others.
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