Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin has told the club’s fans to ‘start believing the hype’ around Estevao Willian after the winger’s brilliant performance against Barcelona.
Estevao received a standing ovation at Stamford Bridge after starring during Chelsea’s 3-0 thrashing of the Spanish champions in the Champions League.
The 18-year-old has made an instant impact at Chelsea but delivered arguably his best performance in Blue on Tuesday night.
Estêvão.#UCL pic.twitter.com/57hCrURAD9
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 25, 2025
Overshadowing Barcelona’s own teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, Estevao capped a fine display with a stunning second goal to double Chelsea’s lead.
A Jules Kounde own goal had given Chelsea a deserved lead, before Ronald Araujo’s first-half red card swung the momentum further in the home side’s direction. When Estevao hammered in the second the game was won, before Liam Delap made it three.
Nevin was full of praise for Brazilian starlet Estevao, hailing his natural ability and ‘effortless’ quality.
Chelsea winger Estevao ‘different’ to other players
“Start believing the hype,” Nevin told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“The goal’s the bit everyone will see, and it was wonderful in a number of ways. It was just so tight, the footwork, and it’s a brilliant, brilliant finish.
“But all the other parts of his game, the intelligence, the movement, the picking up of position… he’s a natural. Because usually footballers are called natural and they’re not – but it just looks so effortless for him. Some players just move differently to other players, a grace and elegance. It’s beautiful to see.”
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