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June 22, 2024

How will Estêvão, nicknamed ‘Messinho,’ integrate into Chelsea? – Brazilian Serie A

Credits to Brazilian Serie A Image Gallery

Abel Ferreira, the Portuguese manager of Brazilian champions Palmeiras, passionately urged his club president in May,  “Don’t sell this player!” he pleaded after 17-year-old Estêvão had just scored the decisive goal in a cup match. “His father, his agent and he might be sad, but let him stay with us until 2027. I really think this player is different from anything I’ve ever seen.”

Ferreira also coaches striker Endrick, who is just a few months older but played a crucial role in last year’s Brazilian league triumph. Endrick netted the sole goal when Brazil’s senior team defeated England at Wembley and added another stunning strike against Spain in March. He is set to join Real Madrid this summer for a fee of €72 million.

It is noteworthy that Endrick’s coach describes Estêvão as “different from anything I have ever encountered,” which is a significant compliment. However, Ferreira knew that his appeal for Estêvão to remain at the club would likely be brushed aside. 

The young talent has already committed to Chelsea for an initial fee of €34 million, potentially increasing to €67 million with performance-related add-ons. Fortunately for Ferreira, he will retain Estêvão for at least another year, as FIFA regulations prevent young players from making such transfers until they turn 18, a milestone Estêvão will reach next April. Additionally, as part of the agreement, Palmeiras will have him available for the inaugural expanded FIFA Club World Cup scheduled for June and July 2025.

However, he will embark on his journey across the Atlantic after that. So, what can Chelsea expect for their investment? What qualities have captivated both the club and Ferreira?

A significant aspect of Estêvão’s game is the fluidity of his movements; he exhibits exceptional balance and rhythmic changes while dribbling the ball with his left foot. At his first club, Cruzeiro in Belo Horizonte, he earned the nickname “Messinho,” meaning “little Messi.” While the comparison is not perfect, it certainly holds some truth. Both players possess remarkable talent, yet neither resorts to flashy tricks far from the opponent’s goal.

At 17, Messi had a keen understanding of space and knew precisely how to exploit the weaknesses in opposing defenses. Estêvão possesses a similar quality. He is a versatile footballer. Ferreira notes, “He contributes on both ends of the pitch, showing up strongly in the game. He makes mistakes but bounces back to get it right. Regardless of the outcome, he never shies away.” 

Palmeiras has utilized him predominantly on the right wing, where he willingly tracks back to support his full-back. However, his true potential shines when his team is in possession, showcasing his fluid dribbling skills, ability to execute quick combination passes, and knack for finding gaps in the rival defense. 

All these traits were evident during his debut in Palmeiras’ starting lineup on April 11, just shy of his 17th birthday, in a Copa Libertadores match against a relatively modest Uruguayan team named Liverpool.

Perhaps more than a Messi, he resembled a left-footed version of Real Madrid’s Rodrygo. Palmeiras struggled to penetrate their opponents’ defense and even fell behind. However, they rallied, and the decisive goal in their 3-1 victory came from Estêvão—who scored in a way no one could have anticipated. The most minor player on the field made a well-timed run to the far post, meeting a cross with a perfectly placed header. 

At that moment, a star emerged. By the final whistle, many could envision him facing the renowned Liverpool in a Premier League match. 

Speculation about his talent had been swirling for some time, and he signed a contract with a prominent sportswear brand before even reaching his teenage years. Estêvão had his moments during the Under-17 World Cup last November. However, future Manchester City player Claudio Echeverri overshadowed him as Brazil exited the tournament at the hands of Argentina. He was gradually introduced to the first-team setup, making several substitute appearances. However, how he seized his opportunity to shine against Liverpool confirmed that he was a player poised to navigate the often unpredictable journey from potential to reality.

In the short span since April 11, he has rapidly risen to fame. Some have even speculated about his potential inclusion in Brazil’s senior squad for this summer’s Copa América. Naturally, he will need to acclimate to the attention that comes with this newfound status—especially from rival defenders—but this experience is integral to his development. It will prepare him for life at Stamford Bridge.

In the short span since April 11, he has rapidly risen to fame. Some have even speculated about his potential inclusion in Brazil’s senior squad for this summer’s Copa América. Naturally, he will need to acclimate to the attention that comes with this newfound status—especially from rival defenders—but this experience is integral to his development. It will prepare him for life at Stamford Bridge.

After several subdued performances in late May, he has delivered masterclasses, slicing through defenses down the left flank. He occasionally cuts inside to unleash powerful shots. However, he often opts to go wide, demonstrating remarkable balance and vision at full speed to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Reports indicate that Chelsea is not considering a loan for Estêvão to gain additional experience—one of the critical factors in his decision to join the London club. Instead, they envision him immediately competing for a spot in the first team, presumably alongside Ecuadorian sensation Kendry Páez, who will also be joining at the same time. Paez, who has already been scoring during World Cup qualifying, resembles a South American version of Manchester City star Phil Foden.

As we have observed, Estêvão has qualities reminiscent of a left-footed Rodrygo. Integrating players into the same lineup may present challenges for whoever selects the team, but opposing defenders will undoubtedly find it difficult to contend with their combined talents.

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