Former Chelsea Star Willian Compares Estevao to Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal in Exciting Chelsea Prediction

Excitement around Chelsea’s new wonderkid Estevao Willian has hit a new high – and it’s not hard to see why. The 18-year-old Brazilian has already made a name for himself at Palmeiras and with the national team, and now former Chelsea winger Willian has added to the buzz by comparing him to Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal.

Estevao, who officially joins Chelsea after the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, was signed from Palmeiras last year in a deal worth £29 million – a fee that could rise to £57 million if performance targets are met. Despite his young age, the talented winger has already earned five senior caps for Brazil and is tipped to be one of the Premier League’s next big stars.

Willian, who made over 300 appearances for Chelsea and won multiple trophies during his time at Stamford Bridge, believes Estevao has what it takes to shine in England.

“Without a doubt, he has a lot of potential, a lot of quality,” Willian told ESPN Brasil. “The player has the advantage of still being so young, but with great potential like Lamine Yamal. They have a similar style.”

Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal is widely seen as one of the most exciting young talents in Europe. The 16-year-old made headlines for his dazzling dribbles and mature play for both club and country. And if Estevao can follow in those footsteps, Chelsea fans could be in for something special.

Willian added: “I hope that he can be very successful here in England playing for Chelsea. He can win many titles, score a lot of goals with the Chelsea jersey and help the team lift trophies for years.”

However, the former Chelsea star was quick to add a word of caution. While Estevao has shown incredible promise in Brazil, Willian knows from personal experience that adjusting to life in the Premier League isn’t always smooth.

“My advice is that he dedicate himself to the fullest,” he said. “In England, football is quite different to what he is used to. When he gets here, I think he needs some extra work at the club. But I’m sure he has a very good head on his shoulders.”

“There’s no need to question his quality – he has more than enough to play for a big club like Chelsea. But I hope he can adapt as quickly as possible and succeed.”

Willian certainly knows what it takes to make it in English football. The 36-year-old lifted two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the Europa League during his seven years in west London.

Estevao, for now, is still with Palmeiras and could face his future club sooner than expected. Both Chelsea and Palmeiras are competing at this summer’s Club World Cup in the USA. While Chelsea are in Group D with ES Tunis, LAFC and Flamengo, Palmeiras find themselves in Group A alongside Porto, Inter Miami and Al Ahly.

Palmeiras drew their opening match 0-0 with Porto – a game Estevao started – and there’s a real chance that Chelsea and Palmeiras could meet in the quarter-finals of the competition. That would give Blues fans an early chance to see their rising star in action before he officially joins the team.