“He’s going to be” – Hasselbaink claims Chelsea ace will become fan “favourite” following Leverkusen win | OneFootball

Former Chelsea star Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes Estevao Willian will become a fan favourite next season.

Chelsea officially announced Estevao earlier this month having agreed a deal worth up to £51.4m with Palmerias for the teenager last summer, and he will wear the number 41 shirt next season.

The 18-year-old made his first appearance for the club on Friday night against Bayer Leverkusen and put in an impressive display.

Hasselbaink thinks Estevao will become fan favourite

Estevao started and scored the opening goal and generally impressed with his all round play, as Chelsea fans saw a first glimpse of him in the famous blue shirt.

The Blues have signed Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens this summer, but the most excitement appeared to be around Estevao.

Estevao scored his first Chelsea goal against Bayer Leverkusen.

The 18-year-old is regarded as the biggest talent in South American football and Chelsea fans saw first hand at the Club World Cup what Estevao is capable of.

Estevao received a standing ovation as he was replaced during the second half, and Hasselbaink thinks the youngster will become a fan favourite.

“He’s had a great start,” he told Channel Five Sport.

“He’s going to be one of the supporters’ favourites. How he touches the ball, how direct he is, his passes. He plays with a lot of guts.

“Here he is in the right spot and the right place (for his goal), and it looks like a simple tap-in. But he takes it really well with the inside of his foot. He’s a great prospect.”

Palmer strikes up connection with Brazilian star

The partnership between Cole Palmer and Estevao could be something special next season, and you could see the pair looking for each other against Leverkusen.

Hasselbaink believes there were early signs the connection between the pair was working, and it’s an exciting prospect for Chelsea fans.

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“What I like about him as well, he does a lot without the ball. When Chelsea have the ball, he runs in spaces without the ball.

“Not a lot of wide players do that anymore. He attacks with the ball. He’s had a lot of touches. They are looking for him.

“Him and [Cole] Palmer are playing together. They are looking for each other and trying to get some kind of connection. And it’s working.”