Chelsea's Rising Star Estevao: The 'Little Messi' Set to Shine in Club World Cup

Palmeiras winger Estevao Willian, often referred to as 'Little Messi,' is poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming Club World Cup. The 18-year-old Brazilian sensation, who Chelsea secured for an initial £29.1m with £19.7m in add-ons, is set to face his future employers in a thrilling quarter-final match at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

Estevao's Journey to Chelsea

Estevao's journey to Chelsea is nothing short of remarkable. After beating competition from football giants like Real Madrid and Barcelona, Chelsea agreed to let Estevao complete his tenure with Palmeiras, including participation in the Club World Cup. This decision has set the stage for a dramatic encounter where Estevao could either bid farewell to his boyhood club or knock Chelsea out of the tournament.

Palmeiras' Expectations

Palmeiras boss Abel Ferreira has high expectations for Estevao in this crucial match. 'I hope he gives his best for the owners of Chelsea to see all the potential and quality he has,' said Ferreira. 'It will be an opportunity for him to show how good he is. We expect his best, to show his maximum, attack, defend, and say goodbye to our fans.'

Chelsea's Perspective

Chelsea manager Maresca, while cautious, acknowledges the potential impact Estevao could have. 'We can talk about the future when this competition is finished,' Maresca added. 'In this moment, he is a Palmeiras player, and we are here to play the game against Palmeiras, not Estevao, and hopefully, we can win.'

Estevao's Impressive Record

Estevao's performance last season was historic, becoming the first player under 18 to achieve 20 goal involvements in Brazil's Serie A, breaking a record set by Neymar. With 12 goals and eight assists, Estevao has already proven his worth. This season, he has continued to impress with 11 goals and five assists in 36 matches across all competitions.

The Future at Chelsea

Estevao will join a star-studded attack at Stamford Bridge, featuring players like Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, and Nicolas Jackson. His arrival is expected to add depth and versatility to Chelsea's forward line, potentially challenging established players for their positions.

Conclusion

As Estevao prepares to showcase his skills on a global stage, Chelsea fans eagerly anticipate the arrival of their new 'Little Messi.' His performance in the Club World Cup could be a glimpse into the future of Chelsea's attacking prowess.