Estevao Highlights Cole Palmer Impact He Will Have in Chelsea Debut vs Leverkusen

Chelsea fans are all saying the same thing after teenage sensation Estevao Willian made his first appearance for the club in their pre-season homecoming against Bayer Leverkusen. The newly crowned world champions were making their first appearance since earning the crown as they welcomed the German club to Stamford Bridge in what is technically their first pre-season game ahead of next weekend’s Premier League opener.

Among those named in Enzo Maresca’s starting XI was 18-year-old Estevao, who was signed from Brazilian side Palmeiras last season. Having starred for them during their own Club World Cup campaign, the youngster turned out in a blue shirt for the first time on Friday and has made an immediate impression.

Chelsea Fans Make Same Comment On Estevao’s Debut

Starting on the right-hand side of the front four, Estevao couldn’t have dreamed of a better debut as he was on hand to give the Blues an early lead. As Cole Palmer came close with a delightful dinked effort that cannoned off the crossbar, the Brazilian was on hand to tap home the rebound and take in the adulation from the Stamford Bridge faithful.

It was the highlight of what was an overall impressive showing for Estevao, who was a constant goal threat with seven efforts on goal and two on target. He also played three key passes as he looked to provide for his teammates, but there was one in particular that Chelsea fans spotted him having an especially strong connection with.

While it was technically Palmer who provided the assist for his goal, the link-up between the two stars did not go unnoticed, as the pair seemed to be continuously looking out for one another. This was noticed by several people online, one fan noting: “Estevao don’t even speak English he’s genuinely speaking the language of football with Palmer right now.”

A second wrote: “This relational play between Palmer and Estevao is ridiculously exciting,” while a third chimed in with: “Palmer and Estevao are cruising. They have forgotten they have a striker up front.”

A fourth stated: “Palmer is tryna go to the right and link up with Estevao every time, he’s finally found a forward he trusts,” while a fifth shared similar sentiments adding: “Palmer searching for Estevao every time is killing me. He’s changed his life.”

How Estevao Changes Chelsea’s Attack

While it is early days, it is clear that when being utilised out wide, Estevao will provide a slightly different threat than Pedro Neto or Noni Madueke did on the right-hand side last season. The Brazilian’s link-up with Palmer isn’t necessarily a sign of trust as some fans indicate, but more of an example of how the youngster is keen to come inside and hurt the opposition in areas that are more likely to lead to goals, whereas Madueke and Neto were perhaps more akin to a typical winger.

Despite not being a focal point, the fact that the teenager had more efforts on goal than any of his teammates – even with the likes of Liam Delap up top – is a sign of where his head is at when in the final third. And given that it often seemed like the responsibility to find the net fell on Palmer’s shoulders more often than not over the last couple of years, he may turn into even more of a playmaker should Willian continue to deliver as a goalscoring threat.