Estevao Willian has already ruffled feathers among Premier League players, notably Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker, before even completing his move to England.
The Brazilian teenager has agreed to a £56million deal to join Chelsea and will make the switch next summer when he turns 18.
Estevao will join fellow young talent Kendry Paez from Ecuador as part of Chelsea’s ambitious plans.
Despite his age, Estevao has already earned two caps for the Brazilian national team, building a burgeoning global reputation.
His recent international call-up allowed him to train alongside some of the world’s top players, including Alisson, Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes, and Real Madrid stars Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
However, it seems Estevao has tested Alisson’s patience during training sessions.
The Palmeiras star appears eager to challenge his compatriot when he arrives in the Premier League, setting the stage for an intriguing rivalry.
“In shooting training, I started to hit all the shots and Alisson got a bit angry. He said he was still warming up, that I should wait a little bit,” Estevao Willian told the Guardian.
“But I took it a bit seriously and scored many goals [against] him.
“He took it all in jest, but I hope that next year I can do again against him in [Premier League] matches.
“We’ll see a lot of each other in England.”
Estevao has netted 15 goals in 42 appearances this season while playing on the wing, leading to comparisons with Lionel Messi.
Though he has expressed some frustration with these comparisons, the rising star, affectionately nicknamed ‘Messinho’, acknowledges the greatness of the World Cup winner and other superstars.
As he progresses in his career in Europe, Estevao intends to look up to both Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for inspiration.
“I like Neymar a lot too, Cristiano Ronaldo,” Estevao Willia added
“But my reference is [Lionel] Messi for everything he’s done for football.
“The way he plays and what he does off the pitch is a guy I always have to look up to.
“And, of course, for me being left-footed like him favours as well.
“Some people are born with talent, others have to work hard.
“Good examples are Messi and Ronaldo.
“Messi has the talent, Ronaldo the effort.
“I look for both. Talent and dedication.
“Today in football you have to dedicate yourself, you have to keep to a schedule, train, travel, take care of yourself.
“You have to give up a lot.
“Without dedication you can’t get anywhere.”
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