Why Estevao could become Chelsea's most important attacker

Football writer Adrian Clarke identifies the key players, team tactics and where matches could be won and lost in Matchweek 12.

Player analysis: Estevao (Chelsea)

A lot of last summer’s big-money signings have impressed during the early phase of the 2025/26 campaign.

One of those shining lights has been Estevao, a young winger signed from Palmeiras, who is already making waves for Chelsea in league and cup action.

Let's take a closer look at what makes the Brazilian such an exciting prospect.

Watch: Estevao's best moments for Chelsea so far

An exceptional teenage talent

Chelsea supporters will tell you there is something a little bit special about the club's 18-year-old summer acquisition, Estevao.

His talent falls into the precocious category, but he seems mature enough to handle whatever is asked of him, and appears far too gifted to be eased into the team slowly. Enzo Maresca has already used him in 16 matches this season.

The whizz-kid has been an instant hit at Stamford Bridge, just as he has been on the international stage, where he has scored three goals in nine appearances for Brazil.

Estevao has been getting Chelsea fans out of their seats with some mesmeric dribbles - producing a sensational assist for Enzo Fernandez on his first Premier League start, against West Ham United (see below) - and has netted four times in all competitions.

That electrifying dribble and cross to Enzo set the tone for what looks set to be a sparkling campaign.

Estevao's assist for Fernandez v West Ham

Estevao’s first top-flight goal was also a memorable one, a 95th-minute winner against champions Liverpool.

Loitering at the far post, he calmly turned in Marc Cucurella’s fizzed cross to send Stamford Bridge into delirium…

Estevao's late winner v Liverpool

Both Premier League goal involvements have been with his right foot, but it is Estevao’s magical left that will do most damage in the long term.

The Brazilian loves to cut in from the right to make things happen and he is capable of striking the ball fiercely or with guile.

In Chelsea’s 4-3 Carabao Cup win at Wolverhampton Wanderers, he showed us how confident he is with his left foot, dinking the ball over the goalkeeper to score with a sublime finish…

Estevao's goal v Wolves

Add in two UEFA Champions League goals across his first two starts in the competition and it is safe to say Estevao has made a strong early impression.

Special numbers

While four Premier League starts and six substitute appearances represent a relatively small sample size, there can be no denying Estevao is not producing incredible end product.

His single assist does not do justice to the South American’s division-high 0.47 expected assists per 90 minutes, or the 0.79 big chances he has created each game.

Pushing defenders back with his scampering dribbles, Estevao is only behind Noni Madueke for touches inside the opposition box.

Attacking stat leaders (min. 4 starts)

When you look at what the youngster is delivering just weeks into his journey at a new club, in a new league, in a very different environment, his numbers are remarkable.

While things may level out once he gets more regular starts, Estevao is currently Chelsea’s most dangerous attacking player.

How Estevao ranks among Chelsea team-mates

A quality ball carrier

Chelsea are happy giving the ball to their gifted newcomer at his feet, or in behind for him to run onto.

Estevao is not lightning quick, with a top speed of 32.75 km/h topped by ten team-mates, but he still has enough pace over short distances to get away from his markers.

Sharp with the ball at his feet, he is also direct in the way he carries the ball, aiming towards the byline.

This graphic, illustrating his 16 long progressive ball carries, shows that he does his best work out on the right flank, driving inside at an angle.

This purposeful style of dribbling puts defenders onto the back foot and allows Estevao to quickly eat up the ground.

His touch map for 2025/26 highlights how often he gets on the ball in advanced areas.

Although Maresca does prefer using his teenage star on the right, I would expect Estevao to pop up sporadically on the other side in the weeks and months to come.

As a left footer, he is more than capable of beating his man on the outside before firing balls across the face of goal.

He almost had an assist of that ilk last time out, in Chelsea's 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. After coming on in the second half, Estevao drove a high-quality cross along the six-yard box that was spurned by his fellow substitute Marc Guiu, who was probably in an offside position.

In those areas, Estevao has the skills to create so many opportunities for Chelsea this season.

All-round threat sets Estevao apart

Wingers who can offer as much danger with goal output as they do assists are relatively uncommon.

Players such as Bryan Mbeumo, Cody Gakpo, Iliman Ndiaye and Jeremy Doku can lay claim to offer those qualities.

Yet only two Premier League players are averaging 0.3 or more for both Expected Goals (xG) and Expected Assists (xA) per 90 minutes.

Those two players are Estevao, and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka.

Players averaging at least 0.3 xG and 0.3 xA per 90 

For Estevao to be in the same conversation as Saka, it shows what an amazing impact the 18-year-old new boy is making.

Whenever he gets into the danger zone, the Brazil international makes things happen.

Signing teenagers who have caught the eye in South American football can be a little hit and miss in terms of finding success stories.

Not everybody can adapt to such a different style of football.

Yet the early signs suggest that Estevao, a player who won’t be 19 until late April, is a talent who can star at the very highest level of European football.

Chelsea fans must be incredibly happy to have him on board in west London.

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