Arsenal missed big coup as Chelsea witness birth of 'enthralling' maverick - opinion

Chelsea witnessed the birth of a new Premier League maverick in the 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace on Sunday as Estevao Willian made an enthralling debut for the Blues.

The 18-year-old was only afforded 36 minutes on the pitch but added to the hype surrounding his £52 million switch from Palmeiras. Chelsea beat off competition from German giants Real Madrid and Barcelona, as well as Premier League rivals Arsenal to secure that transfer last summer, as per Metro.

If the Gunners, who remain in the market for another winger this summer, were watching the action at Stamford Bridge then they may well be feeling the pain of missing out on the teenager, even 12 months on. If they had won that transfer race, they’d have another winger through the doors without having to lift a finger this summer.

Chelsea teenager enjoys head-turning debut against Crystal Palace

The Crystal Palace defence struggled to contain the player, who arrived on the pitch with the bit between his teeth. Estevao’s first action saw him hounding towards the ball on the right wing. There was a clumsiness to the action but the youngster attacked with such hunger that Marc Guehi couldn’t help but get his legs in a tangle and let the winger skip past. The Chelsea star then whipped across a dangerous cross that Pedro Neto couldn’t quite get over to head into the net.

The new signing is ready for the biggest of stages too. After that attack, he could be seen waving his hands in the air at the Stamford Bridge faithful, asking them to up the ante and showing all the hallmarks of a future fan favourite.

Just moments later, the winger fended off three Crystal Palace players in Will Hughes, Tyrick Mitchell and Guehi when attacking out wide. That action had Enzo Maresca excitedly running over to impart more instructions and ask the teenager for more.

There were moments when the player looked his age, choosing to shoot and blast a shot over the bar instead of passing and seeing yellow for clattering into Daniel Munoz. Yet, even in the passion of those actions, it’s clear this is a player to be hugely excited about.

Speaking after the game, Maresca said: “He was very good. He showed personality and has already shown that in training sessions. I have no doubt, he will be a very important player for this club.”

Estevao outlines Chelsea ambitions

The Chelsea boss won’t be wanting to get carried away and neither will fans, but having signed on a long-term contract until 2033, Estevao has the time and the skill to potentially write himself into the history of the club.

The winger has high ambitions too. Speaking to the club website after his transfer, Estevao outlined the former Blues star he aspires to be like. He said: “Eden Hazard is the one that I watched the most at Chelsea. He’s ace. [And] it’s a pleasure to be here where so many Brazilians made history.

“I hope to follow those who wrote a beautiful story here at Chelsea just like they did. After I had signed for Chelsea and in the final game of 2024, I played against Thiago Silva. He came and talked to me.

“He said I was going to love the club, which has an incredible structure and is an incredible club. And now [I am here], I can see how amazing this club is. [My long-term goals at Chelsea are] I want to win all the titles possible: the Premier League and the Champions League as well.”

In other news, Chelsea Player Ratings: 'Terrier' 8/10 but 'passenger' 5 against Crystal Palace.