'He has to do his job' - Estevao Willian sent strong message by Palmeiras boss ahead of Club World Cup showdown with Chelsea

Palmeiras’ teenage star Estevao is set to face Chelsea in the Club World Cup quarter-finals - just weeks before officially joining the Blues in a blockbuster £51.5 million move. The 18-year-old has featured in each of Palmeiras' last four matches and is likely to start in Philadelphia.

Estevao's potential move to Chelsea was confirmed last year, but Friday’s clash offers a unique opportunity for the player to impress his future club directly. The match is also expected to be his Palmeiras farewell, with manager Ferreira hinting at an emotional send-off for the 18-year-old.

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Ahead of the showdown with Chelsea, Palmeiras boss Ferreira said: "We, him and the club – everyone knew this could happen during the negotiations. Everyone knew he could play.

"I don’t have to say anything. He knows what he needs to do tomorrow. He has to do his job. I hope he gives his best for the owners of Chelsea and they look at him and his potential and all the quality he has.

"It will be an opportunity for him to show how good he is. We will expect his best, the maximum in attack and defence and maybe he will score a goal to give a goodbye for our fans.

"We helped him to grow as a man and a professional. It could be a moment to give him a goodbye with one amazing game, maybe with one goal."

Should Palmeiras lose, Estevao will have played his final game for the club. However, victory against Chelsea will set up a Club World Cup semi-final with either Al-Hilal or fellow Brazilian side Fluminense.