CHELSEA missed out on signing 17-year-old Neymar back in 2010, but have got their long awaited answer to him in the form of Brazilian wonderkid Estevao.
And under new boss Liam Rosenior, the teenage sensation is ready to lead the Blues to silverware this season.
Still only 18, Estevao stole the show with a sensational solo goal before turning provider for Joao Pedro early in the second half, capping another dazzling display from the teenager.
He arrived in England carrying enormous expectation, having earned the nickname ‘Messinho’ back home and shattering records previously held by Neymar.
Instead of being weighed down by the hype, Estevao has embraced the challenge, and club and countryman Andrey Santos believes Chelsea have a genuine ‘superstar’ on their hands.
Asked whether the winger possesses Neymar-level talent, Santos said: “Of course. I told him he’s a top player – he’s a superstar.
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“He’s done so well because it’s not easy to come from another culture with another language. It’s hard, but he’s done it very well.
“I’m so happy to play with him here and also for the national team.”
Estevao’s talent has long been recognised at Stamford Bridge, although many felt he was underused during Enzo Maresca’s spell as head coach.
Now, though, it is Rosenior’s task to give the teenager a regular platform to shine and inject him with the confidence to regularly decide games, something Santos believes has already made a huge difference.
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Confidence, he says, is the key ingredient Rosenior has already brought to himself and rest of the squad.
The midfielder added: “I knew Liam already, so it’s been important for me that he’s here. I’m so happy.
“He’s given me a lot of confidence, but it’s not only me, it’s to a lot of the other players as well.
“He wants every player to work hard and fight with an elite mentality to win games and trophies.”
Chelsea’s pursuit of silverware continues tomorrow night [WED] with a must-win clash against Napoli, as they aim to secure automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16 by maintaining their position in the top eight.
But for Santos, the ambition stretches far beyond the next game.
Chelsea want to win the whole thing.
Chelsea ratings vs Crystal Palace
CHELSEA secured an impressive win at Crystal Palace in a huge boost to Liam Rosenior.
There had been questions over the manager’s ‘David Brent-style’ manor off the pitch before the match.
But after it, there was little doubt about what his side is delivering on it.
Estevao gave the Blues the lead in the first half before Joao Pedro breezed past Adam Wharton to add a second after the break.
The Blues were then awarded a controversial penalty which Enzo Fernandez dispatched before Chris Richards netted a late consolation for the Eagles.
Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Blues stars after the crucial victory.
He told SunSport: “My goal this season is to win every trophy possible.
“At home I say to my wife and my family that in football, anything can happen.
“One day I was young, playing in the streets. Now I’m 21 and playing in the Champions League and for my country.
“When you talk about Chelsea, you have to win games and you have to win trophies.
“We know Napoli is a hard game, but we’ll work hard and train hard to be ready.”
