Carlo Ancelotti has given a glowing verdict of one of Chelsea's summer signings and predicted he'll have a bright future. The Italian who was once in charge at Stamford Bridge is currently Brazil national team boss.
The Blues have a knack of unearthing Brazilian gems such as Ramires and Oscar who dazzled in midfield during their time at the club. But perhaps there hasn't been a more exciting acquistion than Estêvão who arrived this summer but was signed months earlier.
A fee of £29m was paid to Palmeiras for the 18-year-old who lit up Brazilian football in his homeland. He has since found his way into Ancelotti's camp and earned seven caps with a goal to his name.
Carlo Ancelotti is a fan of Chelsea's Estêvão
There aren't many managers with a better talent ID than Ancelotti who is the most successful manager in Champions League history. He is eyeing delivering Brazil their first World Cup since 2002 when Selecao head to the USA, Mexico and Canada next year.
Ancelotti has suggested Estêvão will play a key role in his team, stressing he is one for the now and the future. He said (via ESPN):
"I really like Estêvão, he’s young, he has personality, character. He started well in the Premier League. Obviously Estêvão, not only for this World Cup, but for the future of the national team, will be a very, very important player.”
Estêvão has heavy competition for a starting role in the Brazil team amid the star-studded list of attackers for Ancelotti to choose from. But if he continues starring as he has done so far at the Bridge he could become one of the five-time World Cup winners' protagonists.
Chelsea must be patient with Estêvão
While the sky is almost certainly the limit for Estêvão there is the need to allow the Brazilian wonderkid to develop at his own pace. That's why Enzo Maresca deserves credit for his management of the teenager up until this point, giving him time to adapt to a new league and new country.
Estêvão doesn't seem fazed by the magnitude of his move nor the expectations that come with being such an expensive teenage talent. But we have seen pressure get to youngsters in the past and Maresca has a strong squad that should allow the Brazilian to grow at his own pace.
It shouldn't be too long until he is a certain starter though as he's already shown glimpses of brilliance. He was particularly impressive in the 5-1 win away to West Ham United earlier this month.
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