Chelsea Defender Marc Cucurella Heaps Praise on Mature Estevão Display

Cucurella Lauds Estevão’s Composed Performance in Chelsea’s 5–1 Victory

Chelsea’s resounding 5–1 win over West Ham at the London Stadium may have been a collective triumph, but in the aftermath, much of the spotlight shifted to Estevão Willian.

The 18-year-old Brazilian was thrust into the starting line-up at the eleventh hour after Cole Palmer suffered an injury in the warm-up, and he rose to the occasion with a performance that blended flair with composure far beyond his years.

Speaking after the match, defender Marc Cucurella couldn’t hide his admiration for the youngster’s impact while speaking to Sky Sports.

“It's difficult because [to lose Palmer] we practice one thing, at the end we need to change very fast,” Cucurella explained. “But, I think Estevao, in this case, played an amazing game.

• Interesting Facts About Estêvão Willian and His Career From Childhood.

“I think it's very important because we have a good squad, all of us, we are ready at any time, and we are very happy because we showed we have a good team."

Estevão’s direct running and clever decision-making played a central role in Chelsea’s attacking rhythm. He supplied the assist for Enzo Fernández’s goal, provided width and invention on the flank, and handled the intensity of a London derby without shrinking from the responsibility.

For Cucurella, what stood out most wasn’t only the technical quality, but the poise. “I think he's young, but he showed that he's very mature.

“He made very good decisions, and all the new players, all the new signings came here to help the team, to bring something good, good energy, good talent. I think we have an amazing squad, so I hope we can do good things this season.”

• Enzo Maresca’s Blues Blow West Ham Away at the London Stadium.

The Spaniard also highlighted that Chelsea were sloppy at the start but expressed his delight at how they bounced back.

“We are very happy,” he said. “I think in the last game against Place we missed something. I think we don't play our style, but I think today, at the beginning, we started a little bit sloppy, but the reaction from the team was very good. We showed a lot of energy. We want to play good football and we have a good result tonight.”

Estevão’s cameo felt like a glimpse of the club’s future. With senior figures like Cucurella endorsing him so emphatically, the teenager’s maturity is no longer a quiet promise, it is fast becoming a valuable reality.