Young Estêvão Willian has made an immediate impact with Chelsea, getting thrown in at the deep end and not only managing to tread water, but leading his new club to victories in both of his starts, against West Ham United and Fulham. The official statline might have him credited with just one assist, but the 18-year-old was instrumental especially against the Hammers, on his full debut, wherein he was named the Player of the Match as well.
Not even Estêvão himself was expecting this, and while a big
reason for his unexpected level of involvement has been the (minor) injury to Cole Palmer, he’s not been shy to try to make the most of the opportunities that have thus presented themselves.
“It’s happening very quickly, and I’m already getting a lot of opportunities there. More than I even expected at Chelsea. But I think it’s the result of the hard work and dedication I’ve maintained in training.
“Maresca has a lot of confidence in me to play, even arriving in a new league, in a new country. I try to repay that on the field by giving my all. And this adaptation has been incredible. I thought it would take a little longer to adapt, because of the climate and the language. But, thank God, it’s happening very quickly. I’m already getting used to the language well. [..] It’s been really, really, really good, I’m loving it.
“Their plans, the structure and the club – everything. But mainly the plans and the project the club has is what interested me and my family, and I think it was the best decision we could have made. 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.”
The first words of that story have been written. Here’s to the many long chapters to follow!
