The best since Neymar – Can Estevao play ‘Messinho’ Stun Chelsea while playing for Palmeiras in Club World Cup?

Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira admitted on Thursday that his party was confronted with a tough fight in the quarterfinals of the club World Cup against Chelsea, with their teenage wing Estevao in a unique position while preparing for the European giants.

«To say that Chelsea is better than Palmeiras is just realistic,» Ferreira said the press conference on Thursday. «They came here and bought our best player. What else can I say? But nobody only plays in my teams. We run, fight, suffer and win for each other.»

All eyes will be focused on 18-year-old Estevao Willian, who is ready to play for the Brazilian side against Chelsea, the club he will participate in after the tournament.

The highly appreciated wing player was signed last year by Chelsea for an initial 34 million euros (USD 397 million), with performance -related bonuses that possibly brought the reimbursement of up to 67 million, according to British reports.

«Estevao is the best player who has come from Brazilian football since Neymar. You look at him and you fall in love,» said the head of the Academy of Palmeiras, Joao Paulo Sampaio, said BBC Sport.

«He already impresses his technique, but like Neymar at the same point in his career, he has not yet been physically aged and is not as strong as Endrick, so he can still develop a lot. That is what everyone surprises and makes them think he will reach a much higher level.»

Estevao admitted that the situation had been a distraction and said: «It was difficult to play the emotions of playing my last games for Palmeiras while he also thought of my future in Chelsea.»

Despite his unmistakable talent, the teenager still has to score or register an assist in the club World Cup.

Ferreira, who previously managed Chelsea-forward Pedro Neto in Sporting Braga, compared the two players with each other and described Estevao as «a spectacular child» and noted similarities in their left style and versatility.

He added with a smile: «I wish him the very best – just not tomorrow.»

The boss of Palmeiras said that Estevao remained in the club for the rest of the tournament.

“While he is with us, he has tasks and obligations to fulfill. After that he will be free to return to Chelsea. Until then he will give his best, and there is no better way to say goodbye than helping us in this World Cup.

«And I hope he gives his best, so that Chelsea can see all his potential and quality. It will be an opportunity for him to show all his talent.»

Chelsea, the winner of the UEFA Conference League, comes in the competition at Lincoln Financial Field as the tough favorite, with a team that has full of international stars despite missing midfielder Moises Caicedo because of suspension.

Palmeiras will look at Estevao and his team unit to overcome the opportunities in what a compelling encounter promises to be in the hope of achieving a new shock victory in the tournament after Hilal and Fluminense have already switched off Manchester City and Inter Milan in the Tour of 16.

«The fact that Chelsea are favorites does not mean that we do not also have weapons and ambition. We must face our opponents within our resources, within our strategy, within our game plan,» Ferreira said.