It’s quite exciting for Chelsea fans to see that two of their players represented international giants Brazil this week.
Estevao Willian and Andrey Santos, two extremely talented Chelsea youngsters, both featured in Brazil’s 0-0 draw against Ecuador in a World Cup qualifying match.
Attacking sensation Estevao, 18, made his first start for his country on his fifth senior cap. As for Santos, the 21-year-old midfielder was used as a late substitute.
It was the first game for Carlo Ancelotti since he took charge as the Brazil head coach. Incidentally, Ancelotti raved about Estevao pre-match by admitting his first impression of him this week has been very positive.
In their player ratings, Brazilian publication Globo assessed the individual contributions of Chelsea duo Estevao and Santos against Ecuador. In particular, they delivered a quite brutal verdict on teenage winger Estevao.
Globo wrote: “Estevao Willian – He did not sin by omission, but he made many wrong decisions when he was called upon to lead counterattacks. In 24 actions with the ball, he lost possession in 11 and was unable to produce offensive production for Brazil. Most of the time, he was easy prey for the Ecuadorian defenders.
“Andrey Santos – He entered the final stretch of the game with Ecuador trying to put pressure on and occupied spaces. He participated little with the ball.”
| Minutes played | Total shots | Chances created | Accurate passes | Accurate crosses | Corners | Was fouled | Tackles won | Ground duels won | Match rating |
| 64 | 0 | 0 | 7/13 (54%) | 1/2 (50%) | 2 | 1 | 2/3 (67%) | 4/8 (50%) | 6.4 |
| Minutes played | Total shots | Chances created | Accurate passes | Tackles won | Duels won | Duels lost | Match rating |
| 12 | 0 | 0 | 4/8 (50%) | 0/0 (0%) | 1 | 1 | 6.0 |
With Raphinha suspended against Ecuador, Estevao was presented with a huge opportunity to impress on his first international start. He didn’t find much joy against an aggressive and quality opposition, though.
Former Chelsea star Willian insists Estevao will need some extra work when he arrives at Stamford Bridge this summer to get up to full speed with the Premier League.
The 18-year-old right-winger has a growing reputation because of his success at Palmeiras across the last two seasons, but playing for Brazil and Chelsea will be a step up.
Meanwhile, Santos is a player whose stock has risen because of a superb loan spell with Strasbourg. Now, Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is excited to watch Santos play for the Blues at the upcoming Club World Cup tournament.
What shirt number will Estevao Willian take at Chelsea?
Chelsea’s squad numbers for next season have been a topic for discussion this week for various reasons.
It’s been confirmed that new signing Liam Delap will take the No.9 shirt at Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, Cole Palmer will vacate the No.20 jersey to become the new No.10.
It will be interesting to see what number rising star Estevao takes in the Blues squad.
We would guess the No.20 shirt vacated by Palmer could be a viable option. However, Estevao said he wants the No.41 shirt at Chelsea, which has been his number in the Palmeiras first team.
