The quarter final fixture between Palmeiras and Chelsea at the FIFA Club World Cup is all about Estevao Willian.
Softfootball can report that the 18-year-old left foot gem faces a date with destiny against the Blues. The London club signed the winger for an initial £29.1m, with £19.7m due in add-ons, last summer but allowed him to stay with his current club for another year on loan.
He has continued to develope and rated as the next best player coming out of Brazil after Neymar to Barcelona. Estevao became the first player under the age of 18 to reach 20 goal involvements in a single season in the Brazilian Serie A, breaking the previous record set by Neymar, by scoring 12 goals with eight assists.
“I hope he gives his best for the owners of Chelsea to see all the potential and quality he has,” said Palmeiras boss Abel Ferreira, whose side won the Copa Libertadores in 2021 to qualify for the tournament.
“It will be an opportunity for him to show how good he is. We expect his best, to show his maximum, attack, defend and say goodbye to our fans.
“We helped him to grow as a man and professional. It could be a good moment to give him a goodbye in an amazing game.”
On the part of Chelsea Coach, Enzo Maresca he said: “He’s a Palmeiras player. I never spoke with him since he signed for Chelsea, but I met his family at Cobham. They are a nice, fantastic family. We will talk about his future once he joins Chelsea. Everyone knows he’s a talented player.”
Palmeiras striker Jose Manuel Lopez said about his teammate: “Estevao is from a good family and a very respectful kid.
“He has won several titles with us, become important for our team, and also helped us win our last trophies. Everyone knows what he can give on the field.”
Palmeiras Midfielder Mauricio added: “Estevao is a great player and a great friend. We always make jokes during training and there is a relaxation. I think this makes the atmosphere lighter.
“He is only 18, but he is mature and focused here to help us to play.”
Palmeiras reached the quarter final stage by eliminating Botafogo 1-0 in the round of 16 while Chelsea breezed past Benfica 4-1 after extra-time.
Chelsea’s new £55m signing, Joao Pedro is eligible to play in this match as he was registered before the 3 July deadline. The Brazilian has been training with his new teammates at Barry University in Miami. But Romeo Lavia is a huge doubt for the encounter.
Recall, Softfootball had earlier reported that the match between Palmeiras and Chelsea will be all about Estevao. The Brazilian wonderkid will start the game which could potentially be his final game for his boyhood boy or the final match for his new owners.
Pedro Neto is the key man for Chelsea as he has scored in three consecutive appearances for the first time in his career. The Blues will hope he is the Portuguese is on top form despite mourning his friend Diogo Jota whom was involved in a car crash that ended his life on Thursday morning.
Predictions
Palmeiras 1-2 Chelsea
