Chelsea’s highly anticipated summer signing, Estevao Willian, wasted no time in showing why the Blues paid £29 million to secure his services from Palmeiras. The 18-year-old Brazilian winger scored on his debut, delivering a composed close-range volley in the 18th minute after Cole Palmer’s lob struck the crossbar. His quick feet, lightning pace, and intelligent positioning lit up Stamford Bridge, with fans responding to every burst forward.
From the outset, Estevao hugged the right flank, stretching Bayer Leverkusen’s backline, before drifting into central positions to exploit gaps. His understanding with Palmer was evident, with the pair combining fluidly in attack. A second goal looked inevitable late in the first half, but Leverkusen goalkeeper Mark Flekken denied him with a smart low save.
Head coach Enzo Maresca was full of praise afterwards, calling Estevao “a fantastic player” who will “for sure, help the team.” Despite Chelsea returning to training only on Monday after last season’s Club World Cup triumph, the squad displayed sharpness and energy, comfortably outplaying a Leverkusen side deeper into their pre-season schedule.
Delap’s Chance Slips Away
With Nicolas Jackson absent from the squad after informing the club of his desire to explore transfer options, Liam Delap was handed a valuable opportunity to stake his claim for the striker role. However, the 21-year-old endured a frustrating night, touching the ball just 13 times and failing to convert two big chances.
His first effort—a side-footed shot—was easily gathered by Flekken, while his second, a close-range poke following a well-timed run, was expertly blocked by the Leverkusen goalkeeper. Delap’s lack of influence was underlined when Maresca replaced him midway through the second half with Joao Pedro.
That change proved decisive. In stoppage time, Pedro showcased the composure Delap lacked, calmly placing a shot into the bottom left corner to secure Chelsea’s win. With competition for the starting spot intensifying, Pedro’s late strike has strengthened his case ahead of Sunday’s friendly against AC Milan.
Estevao And New Faces Make Their Mark
Chelsea fans got their first glimpse of Jorell Hato following his £38.5 million switch from Ajax. The 18-year-old Dutch left-back replaced Marc Cucurella at half-time, displaying composure in possession and firing a shot just wide late on. Josh Acheampong also featured at centre-back, standing in for the injured Levi Colwill, though a slip in possession nearly cost Chelsea before substitute Tosin made a vital block.
Another bright spark was Jamie Gittens, whose lively wing play in the second half added further attacking threat. His direct dribble set up Estevao for a late opportunity, again kept out by Flekken. The depth and youthful energy in Chelsea’s squad were evident, with Maresca hinting at heavy rotations during the upcoming season.
Maresca’s Tactical Continuity and Injury Concerns
Maresca’s side carried over the attacking fluency that saw them dismantle Paris Saint-Germain in last season’s Club World Cup final. Quick interchanges, aggressive pressing, and width from the wingers kept Leverkusen pinned back for much of the match.
One moment of concern came when Jarell Quansah’s reckless sliding tackle from behind caught Palmer’s left leg. Thankfully, the England international avoided serious injury and continued to orchestrate play alongside Estevao. Maresca, however, expressed his worry over Colwill’s absence, describing the defender as “a priority” and hinting at possible recruitment before the transfer window closes.
Focus Shifts to AC Milan and Premier League Kick-Off
The Blues’ pre-season schedule continues against AC Milan on Sunday, offering Maresca another opportunity to fine-tune his squad before their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace the following weekend. With Estevao already making a statement and Pedro edging ahead in the striker competition, the manager faces positive selection dilemmas.
Chelsea’s dominance against Leverkusen, despite limited preparation time, suggests a team eager to build on last season’s silverware. If Estevao maintains this level of performance and Pedro continues to deliver decisive moments, Stamford Bridge supporters may have plenty to cheer about in the months ahead.
