Chelsea have been searching for a player capable of bringing the same flair and unpredictability as Eden Hazard once delivered at Stamford Bridge. According to Manchester United legend Paul Scholes, they may have finally found one in Estevao Willian.
The 18-year-old Brazilian winger joined Chelsea in the summer and has made an immediate impact with his confidence, dribbling and composure. Comparisons with Hazard are already being made, and Scholes believes Estevao has the ability to get fans “off the edge of their seats.”
Scholes excited by Estevao’s qualities
Speaking on The Good, The Bad, and The Football podcast, Scholes explained what makes Estevao such an exciting talent:
“It’s exciting, is it like a maverick player, somebody comes and gets you off the edge, the edge of your seats, you know what I mean, beating people, scoring goals, creating goals.” — Paul Scholes
Chelsea’s supporters have already seen flashes of that maverick quality. Estevao’s direct dribbling style, close control and confidence have drawn natural comparisons to Hazard, who scored 110 goals for the club and remains one of their all-time greats.
Estevao’s early Chelsea impact
Since his debut, Estevao has been praised by John Terry and manager Enzo Maresca, who has described him as doing “really well” in adapting to life in the Premier League. Much like Hazard, Estevao offers versatility, able to operate across the front line and provide Maresca with attacking flexibility.
The teenager’s breakthrough moment came last weekend in Chelsea’s dramatic win over Liverpool. With the game tied, Estevao ghosted in at the back post to score a last-minute winner — his first goal for the club.
Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt was full of praise:
“He’s a young Brazilian lad… he just looks like he’s going to be a superstar. To be fair, 18 years of age, he’s coming in the back post, scores the winner. It’s a great day for him, isn’t it? Unbelievable.” — Nicky Butt
Analyst verdict: A star in the making?
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Chelsea may finally have found the creative spark they have lacked since Hazard’s departure:
“Estevao has shown immense confidence and skill for such a young player. The comparison with Hazard is bold, but his dribbling and ability to influence games suggest he could grow into that kind of talismanic role. Chelsea’s squad is full of talent, but Estevao looks like the one who can provide that extra magic.”
Key insights
- Paul Scholes compared Chelsea’s Estevao Willian to Eden Hazard.
- The 18-year-old Brazilian scored his first goal with a late winner against Liverpool.
- John Terry and Enzo Maresca have praised his early performances.
- Nicky Butt called his Liverpool strike “unbelievable” and tipped him as a superstar.
- Hazard scored 110 goals for Chelsea; fans now wonder if Estevao can follow that path.
What’s next for Estevao and Chelsea?
After his headline-making goal against Liverpool, Estevao will look to build consistency as Chelsea push for domestic and European success. His versatility gives Maresca the option to use him in multiple roles, a quality Hazard also brought during his time at the club.
Expectations are high, but Estevao appears unfazed. If he continues to progress at this rate, Chelsea may once again have a global superstar capable of carrying their attack for years to come.
👉 Do you think Estevao Willian can go on to emulate Eden Hazard’s legacy at Chelsea?
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