Raphinha, Vinícius, and Rodrygo — Chelsea’s young sensation Estevão Willian has had to compete with stars like them to earn his place in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad.
He’s only 18, but with his immense talent and maturity, Estevão has already won the trust of the Brazilian coach. Ahead of Brazil’s two upcoming friendlies, the Chelsea winger made it clear that he’s ready to play in any position the team needs him to.
After leaving Palmeiras last August to join Chelsea, Estevão adapted quickly to European football. On the international stage, he had already established himself. Since Carlo Ancelotti took charge of Brazil in May, Estevão has been included in every squad announced by the Italian coach.
He’s also part of the current squad for Brazil’s Asia tour. The team has already arrived in South Korea for their friendly on Friday. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Estevão said his goal is simple — to give his all for the team.
“At Chelsea, I often play on the right side,” said Estevão. “In training, I try to play in different attacking positions to expand my range and improve my versatility. I’ve played on the wing and even centrally in the last match.”
“I’m ready to play in any position — inside or outside — wherever the team needs me. Here with Brazil, I’ll do whatever it takes for the team’s success.”
Brazil’s attack is packed with top-quality players like Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Raphinha. Competing with such established names hasn’t been easy, but Estevão believes it pushes him to grow.
“They’re all top players and make our attack stronger. The competition for spots in Brazil’s attack is intense, but I see it as motivation to keep improving,” he said.
Estevão made his international debut last September against Ecuador and has already earned seven caps — all in World Cup qualifiers. He scored his first international goal in September against Chile in Brazil’s 3-0 win.
Just last Saturday, he scored his first Premier League goal for Chelsea — a late winner in their 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
Now, the young forward’s next challenge is to continue that form for Brazil. The Selecão will face South Korea on Friday at 5 PM Bangladesh time, before taking on hosts Japan four days later — the same nation where Brazil last lifted the World Cup in 2002.
