Estevao, the 18-year-old Brazilian winger, has quickly become a sensation at Chelsea, showcasing his exceptional talent and potential. Since his arrival from Palmeiras in the summer of 2025, a deal initially agreed upon in June 2024 for a reported £29 million plus add-ons, Estevao has impressed fans and critics alike with his skillful dribbling, electric pace, and eye for goal. He has already broken records, becoming Chelsea's youngest-ever goalscorer in the Champions League. However, despite his undeniable brilliance, there's one key challenge Chelsea must address to ensure Estevao reaches his sky-high potential: his tactical adaptation and positional discipline.
Estevao's raw talent is undeniable. He possesses the flair and creativity that have drawn comparisons to Neymar and Cole Palmer. His ability to beat defenders, deliver dangerous crosses, and score goals makes him a constant threat in the attacking third. He is also versatile and has tactical understanding. His goal against Liverpool in the Premier League and his Champions League goal against Ajax are testaments to his match-winning capabilities.
Manager Enzo Maresca has been quick to praise Estevao's talent, maturity, and family environment. Maresca even sees similarities between Estevao and Cole Palmer, hinting at a potential positional change in the future. He said that Estevao's family has done a good job. This is essential for him to arrive prepared for English football.
However, Premier League football demands more than just individual brilliance. It requires tactical discipline, positional awareness, and the ability to contribute to the team's overall structure. While Estevao has shown flashes of brilliance, he sometimes tends to drift from his position, neglect his defensive duties, and make risky decisions on the ball.
This is not uncommon for young, exciting wingers. Often, their natural instinct is to attack and express themselves, sometimes at the expense of tactical responsibilities. However, if Estevao wants to become a truly world-class player, he needs to develop a greater understanding of his role within the team's system.
Chelsea's coaching staff must work closely with Estevao to improve his tactical awareness and positional discipline. This involves honing his decision-making in possession, teaching him when to hold his position and when to roam, and instilling in him the importance of tracking back and supporting the defense. Maresca could help Estevao follow Cole Palmer's path by switching from the wing to a central role.
This is not to say that Chelsea should stifle Estevao's creativity or curb his attacking instincts. Rather, the aim is to channel his talent in a way that benefits the team as a whole. By improving his tactical understanding and positional discipline, Estevao can become a more complete and effective player, one who can consistently deliver match-winning performances while also contributing to the team's defensive solidity.
The presence of fellow Brazilians like Andrey Santos, Deivid Washington, and Angelo Gabriel at Stamford Bridge should aid Estevao's adaptation. Moreover, Maresca's experience in developing young players, as evidenced by his work with Cole Palmer at Manchester City, bodes well for Estevao's future.
Estevao Willian is undoubtedly a star in the making. His talent, potential, and rapid rise have captured the imagination of Chelsea fans. However, to ensure he reaches the very top, Chelsea must address the one key challenge that stands in his way: his tactical adaptation and positional discipline. With the right guidance and coaching, Estevao can become a truly world-class player and a key figure in Chelsea's future success.
