Chelsea’s Estevao Willian Draws Messi Comparisons Ahead Of Clash With Lamine Yamal

Chelsea’s Estevao Willian Draws Messi Comparisons Ahead Of Clash With Lamine Yamal

Every exciting young attacker is now measured on a scale from one to Lionel Messi. And right now, two teenagers sit at the very top: Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Chelsea’s Estevao Willian.

While Yamal has already cemented himself as a global superstar through Barcelona’s La Masia academy, Estevao has earned his own “Messinho” nickname — meaning “little Messi” — thanks to his dazzling performances in Brazil’s top flight and now in the Premier League.

Chelsea secured Estevao for £29m in May 2024, with add-ons potentially pushing the fee to £51m, a deal that allows the 18-year-old to develop steadily in England while preparing for a possible World Cup next summer.

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Teenage Titans Face Off

Tuesday’s Champions League match at Stamford Bridge will mark the first official meeting between Yamal and Estevao, who were born just three months apart in 2007. Both are now considered the most valuable teenagers in world football. According to CIES Football Observatory, Yamal is valued at a staggering £307.4m, while Estevao comes in at £103.8m.

Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella, who has played with both, spoke about their talents:

“I think both of them are very special players. They have a lot of talent, always want the ball, and take on defenders one-on-one. Lamine has more experience in Europe, but Estevao can reach his level if he keeps improving.”

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How Do They Compare?

Yamal is slightly ahead in experience: he has 31 goals and 42 assists in 118 matches for Barcelona and six goals in 23 games for Spain, becoming the country’s youngest scorer. Estevao has 36 goals in 104 professional matches, including 27 goals for Palmeiras and four goals in 10 appearances for Chelsea.

Looking at stats per 90 minutes this season, Yamal leads in assists, touches in the opposition box, dribbles, and chances created. Estevao, meanwhile, boasts a better shot conversion rate (13.8% vs 11.3%) and a higher expected goals figure (0.7 vs 0.4).

Both players are left-footed and operate as inverted wingers on the right, but Estevao is projected to evolve into a number 10, while Yamal is likely to remain a wide attacker.

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Chelsea Manager Praises Estevao’s Potential

Manager Enzo Maresca highlighted Estevao’s growth:

“He is already playing at a high level for Chelsea and Brazil. The most important thing is that he enjoys football and improves every day, rather than trying to be better than someone else.”

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Why Chelsea Bet Big On Estevao

Chelsea’s long-term strategy of nurturing young talent is paying off. Despite interest from PSG, Estevao chose Stamford Bridge for the promise of significant minutes in his first season.

With a focus on youth and development, Chelsea are building a squad that balances financial sustainability with long-term potential. Estevao’s integration has been smooth — he’s learning English, living with family support in London, and settling into life in the Premier League.

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The Verdict

The Champions League clash isn’t just about points — it’s a preview of the next generation of football superstars. Estevao Willian vs Lamine Yamal isn’t just a battle of wingers; it’s a battle of style, skill, and potential, and football fans worldwide will be watching.

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