Chelsea have stuck to their policy of recruiting only rising youngsters in this transfer window as well. All the signings, including Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro, Alejandro Garnacho, and Jorrel Hato, among others, fall under the age of 24. Additionally, the Blues also completed the transfer of 18-year-old wonderkid Estevao, although the deal had been in place for a while.
Although this over-reliance on youngsters has caused some problems in the past for the Blues, recently the squad looks more settled and has been performing consistently. Moreover, there’s little doubt about the quality of the current Chelsea talent.
Speaking of youngsters, Estevao is one of the most highly talented players currently available to Enzo Maresca. The Brazilian wonderkid has already received praise from a number of former players and pundits alike, and had been given the nickname 'Messinho' back in Brazil. Now, Estevao’s international and club teammate, Pedro, has also chimed in.
While speaking on an Interview with The Standard, Pedro said about Estevao:
"Mate, he’s from the street. You can see he is natural. Tosin [Adarabioyo] said to me: ‘João, wow. Estêvão is amazing’. Playing for Brazil and Chelsea at 18, oh my God. He’s going to be like Vinícius Jr."
Joao Pedro dubs Chelsea teammate Estevao as the next Vinicius Junior
This isn’t the first time Estevao has been spoken highly of. Earlier, former Chelsea stars Willian and Thiago Silva have also highlighted his talent.
Although it is too early to call, Chelsea might have just found a future star in Estevao, by the looks of it. At just 18, the player is already showing glimpses of his talent and footballing ability.
Estevao has already made his debut for Chelsea. He has appeared in all three Premier League matchups for the club, starting in two of them. The youngster has also provided an assist but is yet to find his name on the scoresheet. That will be part of the process, as he has had his chances but failed to convert them. He does seem to be getting a bit closer to his first goal every week though.
Chelsea’s push for young talents has already given the club stars like Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and Pedro Neto among others. It remains to be seen if Estevao can follow in their footsteps as well, with initial indications suggesting he definitely can reach that level. Do we have the next Vini on our hands?