Estevao Willian could hardly have introduced himself to Chelsea in a better way.
When the 18-year-old Brazilian smashed home an equaliser for Palmeiras against the Blues from an almost impossible angle on Saturday – Chelsea fans could have been forgiven for feeling a little bit excited.
Yes, he had just equalised against their side in the Club World Cup quarter-final but it was also a thrilling glimpse of the talent Chelsea have signed in a deal that could eventually be worth £52m.
A late Palmeiras own goal meant it was ultimately Chelsea looking forward to a semi-final against Fluminense, but Estevao’s last game for the Brazilians was certainly a memorable one.
The Blues beat the likes of Bayern Munich, Paris St-Germain and Manchester City to sign the Palmeiras wonderkid last summer – before allowing him to stay in Brazil last season and to play for the Brazilians in this summer’s Club World Cup.
And, while they may have been regretting that decision as his direct running and silky skills tormented them in Philadelphia, anyone connected with Chelsea can’t fail but to be excited by what they saw.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca said: “Happy because we won and also happy because Estevao scored, the perfect night.
“He is very good, a huge talent, fantastic player. The only thing is when you come from South America or another part of the world is that you need to adapt.
“We are going to help him to adapt, be happy and enjoy football. We have no doubt he will be an important player for Chelsea.”
The forward was a constant threat down Palmeiras’s right, had the most touches in Chelsea’s box for his side (8), and was awarded man of the match for his display.
Blues midfielder Cole Palmer, who was pictured talking to him after the final whistle, added: “You can see he is a top player, so it is very exciting.
“I just said we are excited for you to join, but he didn’t understand a single word I said.”
Estevao and Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira were tearful at the post-match press conference as they reflected on their time together.
Ferreira said: “I spoke before with Maresca and told him ‘you bought an amazing player but more than this you bought an amazing person’.
“You need to take care of him. You need to embrace him and in the beginning for sure he will make mistakes. Like you saw today he is an amazing player with a lot of skill. He is a player who can win a game alone.”
Estevao, said: “Palmeiras opened the door for me. I was deeply happy in Palmeiras and my family knows how happy I was.
“I’m very happy I could score a goal to help my club unfortunately this wasn’t the result we wanted but we gave our best on the pitch and now I am moving on.”
(Source)