CARLO ANCELOTTI HIGHLIGHTS ESTEVAO BRILLIANCE DECLARING CHELSEA LUCKY AFTER BRAZIL
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti hails Chelsea's Estevão Willian as "magic" after the teenager's spectacular goal in a 2-0 friendly win over Senegal. Ancelotti says Chelsea are "fortunate" to have the wonderkid, praising his immense potential.
Estevao has appeared in 16 matches across all competitions for the Blues - Photo Credit: Getty Images
Following the teenager's spectacular goal in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Senegal in an international friendly, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti told Chelsea that they are "fortunate" to have a youngster like Estevao Willian. The five-time world winners prevailed thanks to goals from Manchester United midfielder Casemiro and the Blues' wonderkid.
Thanks to goals from Estevao and Casemiro, Brazil defeated Senegal 2-0 at Emirates Stadium on Saturday, handing the African powerhouse their first loss in more than two years. Matheus Cunha, United's star forward, twice struck the woodwork before Estevao broke the tie at the half.
Minutes later, Casemiro completed a Rodrygo free-kick to double his team's lead. The five-time world champions, who have already won four of their six games under Ancelotti, put on an incredible display. Ahead of next week's north London derby, Tottenham's Pape Matar Sarr and Arsenal's Gabriel were both forced off due to injury during the game, which also featured some heated moments.
Following the match, Selecao manager Ancelotti praised Estevao profusely for yet another outstanding performance with the national team, telling reporters: "Estevao has an amazing amount of potential." At his age, this level is surprising. He works really hard, has a lot of magic, and is good at finishing. I can affirm that Brazil's future is assured with Estevao.
"He is a really talented player," the Italian coach continued. He does not require many minutes to demonstrate his abilities, and he can play in every game, even at Chelsea. He can demonstrate his abilities in five minutes of play. I believe that both Chelsea and the Brazil national team are really fortunate to have him.
Estevao has made 16 appearances for the Blues in all competitions, although he has not had much playing time because Enzo Maresca is still hesitant to give the adolescent too much attention. But the Chelsea coach has never stopped praising the young player, saying earlier this season: "It is exciting to see him." The beautiful thing about Estevao is that we occasionally worry about young players because they believe they are already [at the top] after one strong game. Estavao is playing well, but he is also kind, modest, and eager to learn. Not only are we pleased with his performance, but I believe his family is also doing a great job there. However, he is a decent boy and a nice boy.
He requires a bit more time in the Premier League. Although he will finish playing in the pockets within the pitch, I believe he is more of a winger. It reminds me so much of Cole [Palmer], in my opinion. Cole and Estevao are quite similar, and I had Cole at [Manchester] City Under-23 when he was the same age. Cole needed a little more physicality, so he started playing wide; now, he is playing indoors. They are really similar, too. Estevao is now playing wide, but I believe he will become more of an inside player in the future.
BERNABEU AWAITS ENZO FERNANDEZ AS REAL MADRID MAKES TRANSFER INTEREST
Real Madrid are targeting a move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez in 2026, according to reports. The Argentine star has been in impressive form for the Blues, attracting interest from the Spanish giants.
Real Madrid identify Chelsea star - Photo Credit: Getty Images
Enzo Fernandez, a midfielder for Chelsea, has been targeted by Real Madrid, according to a recent report by Fichajes. Los Blancos are rumoured to be considering a move to bring the Argentina international to Santiago Bernabeu Stadium the following season.
Fernandez's Outstanding English Football Performance. This season, Fernandez has been in excellent form at Chelsea, where he has been in charge of a string of outstanding Premier League performances. In 16 games so far this season, the Argentine star has scored four goals and claimed one assist for the Blues.
With an average of 2.15 shots per 90 minutes in the Premier League, the 24-year-old has demonstrated his value in the closing third. 47.6% of his tries have been on target. After completing 82.4% of his attempted passes in league football (statistics via fbref.com), Fernandez has even distributed the ball accurately.
In the summer of 2032, his present contract at Stamford Bridge will come to an end. Therefore, if Los Blancos want to have a chance at signing Fernandez the following season, they would need to make a huge offer.
What Can Real Madrid Expect From Fernandez?
Fernandez can pace his challenges to give his team control back within his half, and he is a skilled ball tackler. In addition to being a great ball passer, he typically puts his foot through the ball when necessary.
The Argentina international is a dynamic player who can shoot the ball powerfully from a distance and runs in the middle of the field. Although Fernandez's primary position is box-to-box midfield, he can also play in the number ten position or as a defensive midfielder when necessary. It remains to be seen, though, if he can continue to play well in La Liga.
Fernandez would improve the calibre and depth of Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso's midfield. He is capable of securing a consistent starting position in the Madrid team.
Fernandez is a good option for Los Blancos to target next season because, at 24, he still has years to go before he reaches his prime. Alonso must allow him time to acclimate to life in the Spanish capital, though.
ENZO MARESCA PLANS TO BRING CHELSEA OUTCAST AXEL DISASI BACK INTO SQUAD ROTATION
Axel Disasi is set for a shock Chelsea recall after being exiled in the 'bomb squad.' The defender, who hasn't played since January, impressed coaches with his attitude and could be reintegrated into the squad.
Behind-the-scenes role of Axel Disasi pleases Maresca despite Chelsea rejection - Photo Credit: Getty Images
When Chelsea visits Burnley following the international break, manager Enzo Maresca will be hoping to see his team win all three points.
The Blues are now third in the Premier League standings, six points behind leaders Arsenal, after a comparatively solid start to the new season.
Levi Colwill, who is expected to miss the entire season, is one of several key players that Maresca has had to contend with injuries to this season.
Trevoh Chalobah and Malo Gusto have been suspended, and fellow defenders Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile have also lost time because of injuries.
In light of this, it has now come to light that Maresca intends to strengthen his defensive options by bringing a forgotten guy back into his squad.
The Mirror claims that centre-back Axel Disasi will receive a lifeline at Chelsea and be progressively put back into the starting lineup.
The Frenchman, who has not played for the Blues since January, was a member of the "bomb squad," which was made up of players who had been informed they would not be included in Maresca's squad.
Among the most well-known players to be part of the "bomb squad" were Disasi and winger Raheem Sterling, who have both been training away from the starting lineup this season.
After being informed that he was free to leave Stamford Bridge, the Frenchman was linked to several clubs during the summer, but no deal ever came to pass.
The former Monaco player played for Chelsea's Under-21 team in a 4-1 victory over Reading last week, and according to the source, the team is now aiming to reinstate the defender in the starting lineup.
According to reports, Disasi's demeanour and impact on younger players delighted the club's management, and as a result, the Frenchman might have earned another opportunity to start for SW6.