“Joy to watch” – Joe Cole likens Estevao to football icon after West Ham performance | OneFootball

Joe Cole singled out Estevao Willian for praise following Chelsea’s win against West Ham, and compared the teenager to a global icon.

Estevao was initially named on the bench, but following Cole Palmer’s withdrawal in the warm-up the teenager was handed his full Premier League debut.

Just like against Crystal Palace, Estevao put in another brilliant performance, and it looks the Blues have got a serious talent on their hands.

Joe Cole compares Estevao to Neymar

Despite being named Man of the Match, the youngster got off to a shaky start as he gave the ball away which led to West Ham’s opening goal.

Maresca was critical of Estevao for that after the game, but he’s a young player and is very much still learning, and mistakes will be made.

However, he rallied well and Estevao got his first Premier League assist as he superbly set up Enzo Fernandez for Chelsea’s third goal.

Estevao made his first Premier League start against West Ham. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

In doing so Estevao became the youngest Chelsea player in Premier League history to assist a goal, and he’ll likely take many more records.

Estevao received a standing ovation as he left the pitch in the second half, and Cole has likened him to Brazilian icon Neymar.

“It’s difficult, particularly when you’re a young man coming in,” he told Premier League Productions as quoted by Metro.

“He affects the game. He’s not the finished article, he’s a baby, he’s 18, but he’s direct and he’s fearless.

“Do you know what he does so well? Those extra touches. You watch the great Brazilians that we’ve seen… he gives me Neymar vibes.

“He takes those extra touches where it’s just a little touch from the outside of his boot, he drives and he makes times for himself. He’s a joy to watch.”

Brazilian magic at Chelsea

Estevao isn’t the only Brazilian impressing at Chelsea, and Joao Pedro scored his first Premier League goal for the Blues against the Hammers.

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Pedro has been brilliant since arriving from Brighton in the summer, and he’s made an instant impact at Chelsea in both the Club World Cup and the league.

The 23-year-old looks like he will be vital for Chelsea this season, and it’s great to see the new players have settled in so quickly.