Estevao Willian gave Chelsea fans a glimpse of what to expect of their new signing when he scored a stunning goal against his future team-mates at the Club World Cup on Friday night.
Playing for Palmeiras before he completes his move to Stamford Bridge later this month, 18-year-old Estevao made it clear during the first half that he was still completely committed to the Brazilian side and he crunched into multiple tackles.
Then, eight minutes into the second half, the teenager demonstrated his sharp eye for goal by smashing a shot inside keeper Robert Sanchez’s near post from a narrow angle.
Estevao had collected a pass inside the penalty area with a sharp touch using his left foot, before striding past Levi Colwill and lashing home via the crossbar with his right.
That goal levelled the quarter-final up at 1-1 after Cole Palmer had fired the Blues ahead on 16 minutes.
But Chelsea eventually prevailed 2-1 courtesy of a late own goal by Agustin Giay.
Estevao Willian pictured celebrating after scoring for Palmeiras against Chelsea in the USA
Teenager Estevao, who will soon complete a move to Chelsea, scored from a very tight angle
But Chelsea won the game 2-1 and Estevao was seen applauding Palmeiras fans at full-time
Estevao agreed his transfer to Chelsea last summer but was not allowed to move until after his 18th birthday, which was in April.
The Blues will pay £29million for the attacking midfielder, who is considered one of the hottest prospects in world football and has already made five senior appearances for Brazil.
He has dazzled in Brazil’s top flight with Palmeiras, scoring 13 goals and providing nine assists last season to become the youngest ever winner of ESPN Brazil’s Player of the Year award at just 17.
Estevao will join a growing South American contingent at Stamford Bridge that includes compatriots Andrey Santos and Joao Pedro, as well as Ecuador’s Moises Caicedo and Kendry Paez, plus Fernandez of Argentina.
