‘Lucky to have him’ – Estevao Willian has the same ceiling as Chelsea legend Eden Hazard, this is why he must start against Arsenal

Estevao Willian can reach Eden Hazard levels of stardom at Chelsea after making such an impressive start at Stamford Bridge.

That’s according to former Blues man Jody Morris, who believes the 18-year-old starlet has shown enough quality to start against Arsenal.

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Estevao completed a £56million move from Palmeiras to Chelsea in the summer and has taken very little time to impress his new club.

The Brazilian winger has racked up five goals and an assist across 17 appearances for the west Londoners.

He most recently dazzled for Chelsea in their 3-0 Champions League win against Barcelona, during which he rifled in an excellent goal.

Estevao has already left fans in awe of his speed and dribbling, with Morris in particular likening him to two of the club’s all-time greats.

Speaking to talkSPORT on Weekend Breakfast, he said the teenager is as talented as Hazard and his former teammate Gianfranco Zola.

“I don’t think I’ve been as excited about a talent for a long, long time,” he said.

“I mean, we were lucky enough to have a certain player in Eden Hazard, who I think was the most talented player I’ve ever seen in a Chelsea shirt.

“I saw him win games, and those fans that go to Stamford Bridge will tell you, you’re talking about people like him and Zola from a talent aspect, that were getting fans on the edge of their seats.

“Coaches dream… Alright, Eden Hazard sometimes wouldn’t be a dream for people like Jose [Mourinho], who would want him to work a little bit harder.

“But the talent that they had and possessed, that they could carry a football team on their own. I do believe that the ceiling for Estevao is Eden Hazard-type levels.

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“Because for someone so young, I think he offers a little bit of everything. I think he works hard, which is something that you wouldn’t necessarily aim at maybe some South Americans that are known for dribbling and having amazing attacking skills.

“But I think he loves to get his shot off quickly, which is rare for some of these dribblers who want to show skills, I think he runs without the ball.

“The fact that he’s scored… I think he’s got 11 goals and assists [for Chelsea and Brazil] already, but he’s scored in every competition he’s played in.

“He’s played in [almost] every game of the season so far. For me, he’s probably one of the biggest talents in world football at the minute and we’re lucky to have him.”

Should Estevao start against Arsenal?

Chelsea can announce themselves as potential challengers for the Premier League title with a win against Arsenal on Sunday.

Blues head coach Enzo Maresca has Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho, Jamie Gittens and Tyrique George as options to play on the wing.

Maresca has only handed eight starts to Estevao this season in what appears to be a decision related to load management.

“I think that’s the manager trying to look after him,” Morris said when asked about his limited starts so far.

However, he then suggested that Estevao has already impressed so much that he’s worthy of appearing in the next starting XI.

“I honestly think, because of his performances and how well he has done, I think he’s at the point now where, you see in performances like that against Barcelona, I think you have to play him.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if we brought a no. 9 back in to play in the middle, because obviously we had Neto that played up the no. 9 against Barcelona in the week.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if I see Garnacho drop to the bench, and then Neto goes on the left-hand side. I think Neto has been one of our best players this season as well.

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“But I’m at the stage now where, and I think most Chelsea fans are, where you kind of have to play him.

“He’s doing too many things in the short spell that he plays, and looking like he’s a well-oiled machine already.”