Estevao Willian may hardly have launched himself to Chelsea in a greater manner.
When the 18-year-old Brazilian smashed house an equaliser for Palmeiras in opposition to the Blues from an virtually unimaginable angle on Saturday – Chelsea followers may have been forgiven for feeling a little bit bit excited.
Sure, he had simply equalised in opposition to their facet within the Membership World Cup quarter-final however it was additionally an exhilarating glimpse of the expertise Chelsea have signed in a deal that might finally be price £52m.
A late Palmeiras personal aim meant it was in the end Chelsea trying ahead to a semi-final in opposition to Fluminense, however Estevao’s final sport for the Brazilians was actually a memorable one.
The Blues beat the likes of Bayern Munich, Paris St-Germain and Manchester Metropolis to signal the Palmeiras wonderkid final summer season – earlier than permitting him to remain in Brazil final season and to play for the Brazilians on this summer season’s Membership World Cup.
And, whereas they could have been regretting that call as his direct operating and silky abilities tormented them in Philadelphia, anybody linked with Chelsea cannot fail however to be excited by what they noticed.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca mentioned: “Comfortable as a result of we received and in addition glad as a result of Estevao scored, the right evening.
“He is excellent, an enormous expertise, incredible participant. The one factor is once you come from South America or one other a part of the world is that you could adapt.
“We’re going to assist him to adapt, be glad and luxuriate in soccer. We’ve little doubt he might be an essential participant for Chelsea.”
The ahead was a continuing risk down Palmeiras’s proper, had probably the most touches in Chelsea’s field for his facet (8), and was awarded man of the match for his show.
Blues midfielder Cole Palmer, who was pictured speaking to him after the ultimate whistle, added: “You may see he’s a high participant, so it is vitally thrilling.
“I simply mentioned we’re excited so that you can be part of, however he did not perceive a single phrase I mentioned.”
Estevao and Palmeiras supervisor Abel Ferreira have been tearful on the post-match press convention as they mirrored on their time collectively.
Ferreira mentioned: “I spoke earlier than with Maresca and instructed him ‘you purchased an incredible participant however greater than this you purchased an incredible individual’.
“You could handle him. You could embrace him and at first for positive he’ll make errors. Such as you noticed right now he’s an incredible participant with quite a lot of ability. He’s a participant who can win a sport alone.”
Estevao, mentioned: “Palmeiras opened the door for me. I used to be deeply glad in Palmeiras and my household is aware of how glad I used to be.
“I am very glad I may rating a aim to assist my membership sadly this wasn’t the outcome we needed however we gave our greatest on the pitch and now I’m shifting on.”
