'Unpredictable' Estevao Willian tipped to become one of the best players in the world as Chelsea legend reveals key details which will help Brazilian wonderkid reach huge potential

The South American wonderkid, who is fondly known as Messinho (Little Messi) in his homeland, completed a transfer to Stamford Bridge over the summer. Said switch was made after turning 18 and facing the Blues in FIFA Club World Cup competition with Palmeiras.

Estevao has been thrown in at the Premier League deep end, but the youngster has made an impressive start to life in west London and is considered to boast the potential that could allow him to become the next Brazilian superstar.

Quizzed on whether such a standing can be achieved, Chelsea legend Roberto Di Matteo - speaking in association with BetVictor Online Casino - told GOAL: "Let’s not overwhelm him with pressure, but he’s going to be a top player! You can see that he is so advanced in his football development.

"I saw him before the international break and he looks like a 15-year-old! You look at him and think ‘you are playing already?’ Amazing skills, technically, he’s fast, unpredictable, can go outside and inside. Very good attitude. He’s quite advanced for his age. Ancelotti loves him in the Brazil national team.

"He’s got a very good family around him as well, his parents have moved over with him. He’s got good management around him so I have no doubt that he’s going to grow and become a top player, a world top player."

Estevao forms part of a squad that captured Conference and Club World Cup crowns last season. He is expected to help Enzo Maresca’s side compete on multiple fronts this term, with Di Matteo adding on what success looks like for the big-spending Blues: "They will aim to be title contenders. They have a good squad and can aim for it.

"Retaining Champions League football is vital for a club like Chelsea. Going through to the knockout stages of the Champions League, let’s see how you can challenge. Maybe win another cup - FA Cup or Carabao Cup or the Premier League. Add a trophy to it. Last season was great with two trophies. That would be a successful season.

"Last season, they started off really well and then had a dip towards November/December. That coincided with [Cole] Palmer not always playing and wasn’t firing how we are used to. I think this year they have signed some players that can add that little bit of spark and the team doesn’t need to become overly reliant on one player - Estevao, Joao Pedro, [Liam] Delap, [Jamie] Gittens, players that can help the team in crucial moments."

Chelsea, who have made an unbeaten start to the 2025-26 campaign, will be back in Premier League action on Saturday when taking in a fourth London derby date of the season - with a short trip being made to neighbours Brentford.