Alan Pardew can actually see one similarity between Estevao Willian and Diego Maradona
Alan Pardew has paid Chelsea’s rising star Estevao Willian the highest compliment by comparing him to the legendary Diego Maradona.
Like Maradona did, Estevao has brought a real South American flair to the pitch, which spectators in English football are absolutely loving right now.
When Maresca spoke about Estevao at the start of November, he claimed that the Brazilian is why people go to football stadiums.
The praise has not stopped there, with Pardew now having his say on the 18-year-old.
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Alan Pardew claims Chelsea wonderkid Estevao Willian manoeuvres the ball like Diego Maradona
When it comes to moving and manipulating the ball, Pardew can actually see similarities between Estevao and Maradona.
Speaking on talkSPORT, the former Premier League manager said: “When you have got a player who can just stand the defender straight up and say, ‘Well I’m going to take you on’, and he knows he’s going to take him on and still beats him, then you know you’ve got a special player.
“He’s so quick, he’s so close to the ground and he’s got that kind of Maradona way that he manoeuvres the ball.”
Estevao does not hail from Maradona’s native Argentina, but Chelsea do have three other players who have represented the current World Cup holders: Enzo Fernandez, Alejandro Garnacho and Facundo Buonanotte.
The second of that trio was excellent last time out against Wolverhampton Wanderers, helping Chelsea to win 3-0.
Garnacho put in a really assured performance, providing assists for two of the Blues’ goals.
Estevao Willian is thriving in one-v-one situations at Chelsea
It is no surprise that Estevao’s ability on the ball is not going unnoticed. Since arriving in England, he has had no trouble getting past Premier League defenders.
As per FBref, Estevao is completing 3.63 successful take-ons per 90 minutes, which puts him in the 99th percentile among attacking midfielders and wingers.
Not too many people will agree with the Maradona comparisons, but one attacker Estevao will remind spectators of is his compatriot Neymar.
They are both Brazilian, have slender frames and are absolutely devastating in one-v-one situations.
Such comparisons are not always helpful for youngsters, but it is the price Estevao is having to pay for being too good! He will not get to Maradona’s level, few have. But Chelsea may very well have the next Neymar on their hands.
from Chelsea FC Latest News & Club Updates | The Chelsea Chronicle https://ift.tt/XdfR9ro
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