Marcel Desailly urges Brazilian wonderkid Estevao to adapt quickly to Premier League pace
Former France international and Ghana-born legend Marcel Desailly believes Chelsea’s teenage sensation Estêvão will need time to adjust to the intensity of English football.
The former Blues captain, who lifted the Champions League and FIFA World Cup during his illustrious career, shared his views after the 18-year-old forward’s brilliant start to life in West London.
Estêvão, who joined Chelsea this summer from Palmeiras, has made a flying start under Enzo Maresca, scoring in the Champions League, Premier League and Club World Cup.
His dazzling performances have drawn praise from across Europe, with Maresca saying the teenager is “destined to reach the top of football.”
Desailly, speaking to GOAL via OLBG, praised the youngster’s ability but warned that the Premier League demands a different level of physical and mental readiness.
“He’s a young player. He has good records. He was playing in Palmeiras, which is funny because during the Club World Cup, I think he scored against Chelsea,” Desailly said.
“But he has to adapt to the Premier League speed. He has to adapt to the Premier League impact into the system. As I had to adapt myself when I came to England, I had to adjust to the speed, to the fighting spirit.”
Desailly added that patience will be key for the forward’s development, insisting his talent is undeniable but must be matched by consistency and discipline.
“The Premier League is the Premier League. You can do whatever you want, but you need to adapt a little bit as a Brazilian into the system. The talent is there and we hope he will bring that value that Chelsea is looking for.”
Marcel Desailly on Estevão Willian: “He’s a young player. He has good records. He was playing in Palmeiras, which is funny as during the Club World Cup, I think he scored against Chelsea. It was quite strange. But he has talent. I think he scored one goal this season. He is good” pic.twitter.com/pUFF7m7kRG
— Bridgenews 🎗️ (@cfc_whale) October 24, 2025
Estêvão recently became Chelsea’s youngest Champions League scorer after netting in their 5-1 win over Ajax on Wednesday night.
The prodigious Brazilian continues to shine, but Desailly’s advice may be crucial as he seeks long-term success in England.
