Estevao Willian has settled in well, and while he has made a strong start, Chelsea are not easing up on their plans for him.
The club have been more deliberate in their long-term planning since BlueCo came in, and that goes beyond just signing young talents like Estevao. There is also a big emphasis on how they develop those players.
Back home in Brazil, he was putting up numbers that draw comparisons to Pele. And the step-up to club football has not looked like much of a challenge either.
The 18-year-old is undoubtedly on track to become a Chelsea star for the foreseeable future. However, a specific plan is being implemented that could significantly increase his importance to the team.
Estevao will be prepared to become Chelsea’s next number 10
Even before his arrival at Stamford Bridge, there were conversations about Estevao’s potential to play a more central role. While he could easily become the best right-winger in club history, Chelsea have other ideas for his future.
With comparisons already being made to Palmer, many think that bringing him inside could put him on a similar trajectory.
Regarding that topic, journalist Matt Law said: “The view in the club is very much in the next two years he will move from being a right winger to a number 10. They’re not concerned about where that leaves them with Cole and how to fit it all in at all.
“They seem to have a plan that they’re not telling me about, but they really do properly inside the club believe this lad’s a number 10. They don’t for one minute think out on the right is his full-time position.”
Estevao possesses the attributes of a top-tier winger, but his scoring ability and creativity are leading Chelsea to consider involving him more centrally, mirroring the evolution seen with Cole Palmer.
Cole Palmer and Estevao could be at odds
Bringing Estevao into the centre of Chelsea’s attack is an exciting prospect, but it does raise a question about how the Blues would use him alongside Palmer, who currently fills that role and has been a standout performer under Maresca.
While the Brazilian has shown plenty of promise, matching Palmer’s impact is still a tall order. Few players in the league can boast that level of influence.
The Brazilian certainly has a bright future at Stamford Bridge, but so does Palmer. Matt Law suggested there may already be a plan in place to accommodate both players, which could mean a shift in formation down the line.
For now, keeping Estevao out wide makes sense. He is thriving in that role, and there is no need to disrupt what is working. As for any changes ahead, time will tell how Chelsea choose to shape their attack.
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