“He’s a superstar” — Andrey Santos praises Chelsea wonderkid Estevao after another brilliant display

Chelsea have spent more than a decade searching for the Brazilian spark they missed out on in 2010. Back then, a 17-year-old Neymar slipped through their fingers before becoming one of world football’s biggest stars. Now, at long last, Stamford Bridge believes it has found its answer — and his name is Estevao Willian.

Still only 18, the Brazilian wonderkid is quickly becoming the face of Chelsea’s new era under head coach Liam Rosenior. On a lively evening that underlined his growing importance, Estevao produced another performance that mixed excitement, maturity and decisive quality — the very traits that once defined Neymar at the same age.

Against Crystal Palace, the teenager stole the spotlight. First came a breathtaking solo goal, as he surged forward with confidence, brushed aside defenders and finished with calm precision. Then, early in the second half, he turned provider, setting up Joao Pedro with a perfectly weighted pass. It was a display that went far beyond raw talent; it showed intelligence, timing and an understanding of when to take control of a match.

Thriving under pressure, not shrinking from it

Estevao arrived in England with a heavy label attached to him. Back in Brazil, he had been nicknamed “Messinho” and had already broken youth records once held by Neymar. For many young players, that level of expectation can be overwhelming. For Estevao, it appears to have been fuel.

Rather than being weighed down by comparisons, he has embraced the challenge. His performances suggest a player comfortable with responsibility, eager to influence games and unfazed by big moments. In just a few months, he has gone from exciting prospect to a regular match-winner.

That rise has not gone unnoticed in the Chelsea dressing room — or within the Brazilian national setup.

‘He’s a superstar’ — Santos backs his countryman

Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, who also plays alongside Estevao for Brazil, has been glowing in his assessment of the teenager. When asked whether Estevao has the same level of talent as Neymar did at a similar age, Santos did not hesitate.

“Of course,” he said. “I told him he’s a top player — he’s a superstar.

“He’s done so well because it’s not easy to come from another culture with another language. It’s hard, but he’s done it very well.

“I’m so happy to play with him here and also for the national team.”

Such praise carries weight. Santos understands the challenges of adapting to English football and knows how difficult it is for young Brazilian players to settle quickly. His comments reflect not only Estevao’s ability, but also his mentality.

A fresh start under Liam Rosenior

Estevao’s talent was never in doubt at Chelsea, but there were growing frustrations last season that he was not being used to his full potential during Enzo Maresca’s spell in charge. Minutes were limited, confidence dipped, and momentum stalled.

That has changed under Rosenior.

The new Chelsea boss has made a clear effort to empower young players, giving them defined roles and trust. For Estevao, that belief has been transformational. He now plays with freedom, knowing mistakes will not immediately push him to the bench.

According to Andrey Santos speaking via Sunsport, confidence is the biggest difference Rosenior has brought to the squad.

“I knew Liam already, so it’s been important for me that he’s here,” Santos explained. “He’s given me a lot of confidence — but it’s not only me, it’s a lot of the other players as well.

“He wants every player to work hard and fight with an elite mentality to win games and trophies.”

That message has clearly resonated. Chelsea look sharper, more unified and more aggressive in their approach, with Estevao often at the heart of their attacking play.

Big ambitions, bigger challenges ahead

Chelsea’s immediate focus now turns to Europe. On Wednesday night, they travel to face Napoli in what is shaping up to be a must-win Champions League clash. Sitting inside the top eight of the new league-phase format, the Blues know that victory would give them a strong chance of securing automatic qualification for the last 16 — and avoiding a difficult play-off round.

But within the squad, ambition stretches far beyond simply qualifying.

Santos was clear about the mindset driving Chelsea this season.

“My goal this season is to win every trophy possible,” he told reporters. “In football, anything can happen.

“One day I was young, playing in the streets. Now I’m 21 and playing in the Champions League and for my country.

“When you talk about Chelsea, you have to win games and you have to win trophies. We know Napoli is a hard game, but we’ll work hard and train hard to be ready.”

Chelsea’s long-awaited Brazilian star?

It would be unfair — and unrealistic — to expect Estevao to replicate Neymar’s career or carry Chelsea alone. Yet what is clear is that the Blues finally have a Brazilian forward capable of exciting fans, deciding games and leading a new generation.

At just 18, Estevao is already delivering moments of quality that change matches. With Rosenior’s trust, a clear role, and experienced teammates guiding him, Chelsea may finally have the player they once missed — and perhaps, the one who can help lead them back to silverware.

The search that began in 2010 may finally be over.