Scoring the dramatic last-minute winner against Liverpool at the start of October seems to have unlocked something in young Estêvão, who got his name on the scoresheet once again this weekend, in a friendly
for Brazil against Senegal.
The 18-year-old now has seven goals in his last eleven appearances for club and country, and has scored in each of his five starts during that span (twice for Brazil, three times for Chelsea).
Saturday’s match against Senegal, which Brazil would go on to win 2-0, was played at the Emirates Stadium in London: let’s hope Estêvão can repeat his goalscoring antics when we visit in a couple weeks to play the venue’s usual tenants, Arsenal. His performance today earned a(nother) rave review from Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti.
“Estêvão plays more openly on the right [wing]; he has incredible talent. For me, it’s a surprise that someone so young has this kind of talent. He’s very accurate in his finishing, very forceful. With him, Brazil has a secure future.”
-Carlo Ancelotti; source: Sports Illustrated
João Pedro played 25 minutes while Andrey Santos was an unused substitute. Nicolas Jackson played most of the second half for Senegal after replacing the injured Pape Matar Sarr.
