Former Chelsea star Willian expects Brazilian winger Estêvão to have a starring role at Stamford Bridge.
The teenager faces competition for playing time from Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers and has had limited playing time under new coach Xabi Alonso but Willian believes the 19-year-old can shine this season.
Estevão confided to close associates that he was believed he wouldn't get as much playing time under Alonso, sources told ESPN.
"Estevão is a different kind of player," Willian said. "He has great quality and a commanding presence. He undoubtedly draws attention and plays an important role in the Chelsea squad. He certainly has everything it takes to be a key figure."
Injuries prevented Estêvão from having a dream debut season at Chelsea while a hamstring tear in April saw the teenager ruled out of Brazil's squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Willian, meanwhile, is pleased with João Pedro's progress at Chelsea.
The Brazilian forward was named Chelsea's Player of the Season after an impressive debut campaign in London with 20 goals and nine assists in 50 appearances.
João Pedro, who was left out of Brazil's World Cup squad with Carlo Ancelotti opting to take more experienced forwards, has two goals and two assists in two league games this season.
"João Pedro has the quality and potential to shoulder that responsibility [being the number 9]," Willian, who scored 47 goals in 327 Premier League appearances, said.
"He is a player who has been performing very well since last season and has room to grow even further. So, without a doubt, Chelsea is in good hands in that position."
Willian spent seven years at Chelsea before joining Arsenal in 2020. He left the Premier League in the summer of 2025 after his contract with Fulham expired.
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He will be watching his fellow Brazilians, including Bruno Guimarães, from afar when Arsenal host Chelsea on Sunday in the Premier League.
Guimarães strengthened the Gunners this summer arriving Newcastle for a fixed fee of £75 million ($101m.)
"He was the guy who ran the midfield for that team [Newcastle,] and he's certainly coming in to add even more to the Arsenal squad," Willian said. "Arsenal has a good team with a lot of quality."
Willian, 38, is currently a free agent after leaving Brazilian club Gremio this summer.
Information from ESPN's Renato Senise contributed to this report.
