Estêvão Willian’s ascending path: A diamond emerging from the heat of competition

Estêvão Willian’s rapid rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. At just 17 years old, he’s considered one of the brightest young talents to come out of Brazil. Officially signed by Chelsea on May 18, 2024, the Brazilian starlet has continued his development at Palmeiras, where his performances in the Brasileiro Serie A have captured widespread attention. Adding to his burgeoning profile, Estêvão made his debut for the Brazilian national team, marking another significant milestone in his young career.

This article will explore Estêvão’s playing attributes, tactical fit, and areas for improvement to give Chelsea fans a comprehensive understanding of what to expect when he officially joins the club in 2025.

Position and Tactical Profile

Estêvão primarily operates as a right winger (RW) for Palmeiras, showcasing his talents on the right flank. However, his versatility allows him to drift into more central areas, adopting a role reminiscent of a traditional No. 10. Under Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira, Estêvão frequently shifts into the right half-space, a key tactical component of his game.

The left-footed winger’s adaptability, both in wide areas and more central positions, makes him a flexible attacking option for Chelsea. His ability to take on defenders, combined with an instinct for intelligent positional rotation, sets him apart from other young wingers.

"I can play on the right, but I feel more comfortable floating in the middle, so I am closer to the area, I can turn left, right and it is the place where I feel freer when playing."

- Estêvão Willian

A Dribbling Expert

A key attribute that draws attention to Estêvão’s game is his dribbling. He consistently attempts high volumes of take-ons, with an impressive 49% completion rate. What makes him particularly dangerous is his ability to beat defenders both inside and outside. While he excels at cutting inside on his left foot, his confidence in taking defenders on the outside adds a multi-dimensional threat to his dribbling repertoire.

This level of unpredictability, where defenders cannot easily anticipate his next move, is reminiscent of fellow young winger Lamine Yamal. Though the two operate in different leagues, their ability to trouble defenders with quick movements in both directions is a shared quality.

Creativity in the Final Third

Dribbling alone, however, does not make a complete attacking player. Estêvão has demonstrated that he can convert his dribbling prowess into productive output in the final third. Whether cutting inside to unleash a shot or threading incisive passes through defensive lines, Estêvão’s creativity has become a vital asset for Palmeiras.

When he moves to the outside, Estêvão often seeks pullbacks or shots from tight angles, further showcasing his attacking intelligence. His decision-making in these situations reflects a mature understanding of the game, particularly for someone his age.

Moreover, he shows patience in possession, recycling the ball when opportunities do not present themselves, and combines well with his teammates in tight spaces. His unselfish style of play benefits the overall attacking structure of the team, making him an efficient and intelligent forward.

Statistical Output

Estêvão’s output in the 2024 season has been remarkable for someone so young. His eight goals and seven assists place him among the top contributors in the Brasileiro Serie A. He ranks second in goals and first in assists for the season, while his goal contributions (Goals+Assists) also put him second in the league. Notably, his xG overperformance of +2.4 indicates his finishing outperformance.

These statistics make it clear that Estêvão is not just an exciting prospect but is already performing at a level that places him among the best in Brazil. Though some may downplay the competitiveness of the Brasileiro Serie A compared to Europe’s “Big 5” leagues, Estêvão’s performances are far from ordinary for a player of his age.

All-Round Development and Defensive Contributions

Aside from his attacking prowess, Estêvão’s off-ball movement and defensive work-rate have also been improving. His intelligent runs behind opposition defenses create numerous goal-scoring opportunities, and he’s becoming increasingly adept at contributing to defensive efforts.

In modern football, wingers are often required to perform defensively, and Estêvão’s willingness to track back shows his understanding of this tactical requirement. However, his defensive intelligence still needs refinement, a factor that may require gradual integration into Chelsea’s first team. As he matures, sharpening his defensive tools will be crucial to becoming a more complete player.

Tactical Fit at Chelsea

Once he arrives at Chelsea, Estêvão is expected to slot into the right-wing role. One particularly intriguing aspect of his potential fit is his ability to build chemistry with Cole Palmer, another talented creator at Chelsea. Palmer frequently drifts to the right flank to create from wide areas, which often leads to positional rotations with the wide forward.

Estêvão’s proficiency in both the wide and half-space positions could create a dynamic double movement between him and Palmer, confusing defenders and dragging markers out of position. This tactical understanding and fluidity could be key in unlocking stubborn defenses.

Areas for Improvement

At just 17, Estêvão naturally has areas to improve upon. His physicality, game intelligence, and temperament are all aspects that will continue to develop as he gains more experience. Given his incredible potential, it’s easy to overlook his weaknesses, but steady growth will be essential for him to handle the pressures of playing at an elite club like Chelsea.

Final Thoughts

Chelsea have secured a gem in Estêvão Willian, a player with the potential to explode onto the scene if managed correctly. His immense talent comes with a unique spotlight that will be both a challenge and an opportunity. If Chelsea can nurture this “radioactive” talent properly, they will have a future superstar on their hands. However, if mishandled, the pressure could have adverse effects on both player and club.

As he prepares for his eventual move to London, all eyes will be on Estêvão. With the right guidance and a supportive environment, he has every chance of fulfilling his vast potential and making a significant impact on the global stage.