Chelsea’s path to the Club World Cup semi-final was made a whole lot harder by a player who is set to be one of their players in just a few days’ time.
Estevao Willian’s fantastic goal levelled the quarter-final tie, before an own-goal eventually saw the Blues book their place in the final four.
Estevao swapped shirts with Cole Palmer after the game, and the Englishman told him how much he was looking forward to playing alongside him at Stamford Bridge.
A number of Blues stepped up with really strong performances when it mattered in the quarter-final, with one of those being Enzo Fernandez.
Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty ImagesEnzo Fernandez was impressed by Estevao Willian after Chelsea’s win vs Palmeiras
The Argentine has enjoyed a really strong Club World Cup so far, and is backing up the recent claims of his manager. Enzo Maresca said Fernandez has improved greatly since he came into the club 12 months ago.
The World Cup winner will be one of the figures Estevao looks up to when he begins training with his new side, and it seems like he was watching the youngster’s performance closely when going up against him.
He told the FIFA Website that he could see the talent the Brazil international possesses, and is excited to see him get to work under Maresca.
He said: “We’re delighted with the team’s development and every player that’s come in under Enzo [Maresca]. We’ve been on an upward trajectory since we started to work with him. Enzo has brought structure and order to our team. We’ve been improving day in, day out, and I think today proved how far we’ve come.
“We could see his potential out there. He showcased that in the match, but he’s been doing so for Palmeiras for a long time now.
“The new players who come in are always willing to knuckle down and I think Enzo has put those foundations in place with his clarity.”
Photo by JUAN MABROMATA/AFP via Getty ImagesMaresca’s message to Estevao after ‘perfect’ game
As well as the Chelsea players who spoke with Estevao after the game, the Blues manager got the opportunity to talk to him for the first time.
Maresca told Estevao he was impressed, and that Chelsea had the ‘perfect’ night, with him scoring and the Blues coming out on top.
Reports have claimed that there are no plans for Estevao to be sent out on loan this summer, and he will remain with the first team squad for the 2025/26 campaign.
With there plenty of big games to come in multiple competitions for the Blues next season, expect Estevao to be given the chance to make an instant impact on his new side.