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September 7, 2024
Delve into Estêvão Willian’s swift ascent from Palmeiras to Chelsea, examining his dribbling skills, creativity, tactical suitability, and tremendous potential as one of Brazil’s most promising young football talents.
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Estêvão Willian’s rapid ascent has been nothing short of remarkable. At only 17 years old, he is recognized as one of Brazil’s most exciting emerging stars. Chelsea officially secured his signing on May 18, 2024, but Estêvão has continued to hone his skills at Palmeiras, where his impressive performances in the Brasileiro Serie A have drawn considerable attention from fans and scouts alike. To further enhance his growing reputation, he also made his debut for the Brazilian national team, marking yet another significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
This article will analyze Estêvão’s playing style, tactical compatibility, and potential areas for growth, providing Chelsea supporters with a detailed understanding of what to expect when he officially joins the club in 2025.
Estêvão primarily plays as a right winger (RW) for Palmeiras, where he effectively displays his skills along the right flank. However, his adaptability enables him to venture into more central positions, often taking on a role similar to that of a traditional No. 10. Under the guidance of Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira, Estêvão frequently moves into the right half-space, which is a crucial aspect of his tactical approach.
As a left-footed winger, his versatility in both wide and central roles makes him a dynamic attacking option for Chelsea. His knack for taking on defenders, paired with an instinct for smart positional rotations, distinguishes him from other young wingers. This unique blend of skills and flexibility allows him to be a valuable asset in various attacking situations.
“I can play on the right, but I feel more comfortable floating in the middle, so I am closer to the area, I can turn left, right and it is the place where I feel freer when playing.”
A key attribute that draws attention to Estêvão’s game is his dribbling. He consistently attempts high volumes of take-ons, with an impressive 49% completion rate. What makes him particularly dangerous is his ability to beat defenders both inside and outside. While he excels at cutting inside on his left foot, his confidence in taking defenders on the outside adds a multi-dimensional threat to his dribbling repertoire.
This level of unpredictability, where defenders cannot easily anticipate his next move, is reminiscent of fellow young winger Lamine Yamal. Though the two operate in different leagues, their ability to trouble defenders with quick movements in both directions is a shared quality.
However, dribbling alone does not constitute a complete attacking player. Estêvão has shown that he can transform his dribbling ability into tangible results in the final third. Whether he is cutting inside to take a shot or delivering precise passes that penetrate defensive lines, Estêvão’s creativity has become an essential asset for Palmeiras.
When he positions himself wide, Estêvão often looks for pullbacks or attempts shots from challenging angles, further highlighting his attacking acumen. His decision-making in these moments reflects a level of maturity and game awareness that is impressive for someone his age.
Additionally, he demonstrates patience while in possession, opting to recycle the ball when immediate opportunities aren’t available, and he effectively collaborates with teammates in confined spaces. His selfless approach to play enhances the team’s overall attacking dynamics, establishing him as an efficient and insightful forward.
Estêvão’s performance in the 2024 season has been extraordinary for such a young player. With eight goals and seven assists, he ranks among the top contributors in the Brasileiro Serie A. He sits second in goals and leads the league in assists for the season, and his combined goal contributions (Goals + Assists) place him second overall in the league. Impressively, his expected goals (xG) overperformance of +2.4 highlights his exceptional finishing ability.
These statistics clearly demonstrate that Estêvão is not merely an exciting prospect; he is already competing at a level that positions him among the best talents in Brazil. While some might argue that the competitiveness of the Brasileiro Serie A pales in comparison to Europe’s “Big 5” leagues, Estêvão’s achievements are anything but typical for a player of his age.
In addition to his attacking abilities, Estêvão’s off-ball movement and defensive work rate have been steadily improving. His astute runs behind opposing defenses generate numerous goal-scoring chances, and he is becoming increasingly skilled at contributing to defensive play.
In today’s football landscape, wingers are often expected to fulfill defensive responsibilities, and Estêvão’s readiness to track back demonstrates his awareness of this tactical necessity. However, his defensive intelligence still requires some refinement, which may necessitate a gradual acclimatization to Chelsea’s first team. As he continues to develop, honing his defensive skills will be essential for him to evolve into a more well-rounded player.
Upon his arrival at Chelsea, Estêvão is anticipated to take on the right-wing position. One particularly exciting element of his potential integration is his ability to establish a connection with Cole Palmer, another gifted playmaker at the club. Palmer often drifts toward the right flank to create scoring opportunities from wide areas, resulting in frequent positional exchanges with the wide forward.
Estêvão’s skill set in both wide and half-space areas could facilitate a dynamic interplay between him and Palmer, potentially perplexing defenders and pulling markers out of their designated positions. This tactical awareness and fluidity may prove crucial in breaking down resolute defenses.
At only 17 years old, Estêvão understandably has several areas in which he can grow. His physicality, understanding of the game, and temperament are all facets that will evolve as he accumulates more experience. Due to his remarkable potential, it can be tempting to gloss over his shortcomings; however, consistent development will be crucial for him to navigate the demands of playing at a top-tier club like Chelsea.
Chelsea has secured a true talent in Estêvão Willian, a player poised to make a significant impact if nurtured effectively. His remarkable ability brings with it a distinct level of attention, presenting both challenges and opportunities. If Chelsea can cultivate this “radioactive” talent wisely, they could be grooming a future superstar. Conversely, if not managed properly, the pressure could lead to negative consequences for both the player and the club.
As he prepares for his upcoming move to London, all eyes will be on Estêvão. With the right mentorship and a supportive environment, he stands every chance of realizing his immense potential and leaving a lasting mark on the international football scene.
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and football sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Football News Today, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for football, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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