Carlo Ancelotti makes 'really lucky' claim in bold verdict on Chelsea wonderkid Estevao

Estevao scored for Brazil in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Senegal and received high praise from his manager

Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti has talked up the talent of Chelsea star Estevao after another fine display for his country. The 18-year-old scored his fourth goal for the Selecao on Saturday in a 2-0 win over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium. It was Estevao’s tenth senior appearance for Brazil and he looks set to play a big role for the team at next summer’s World Cup in north America.

Estevao has been excellent for Chelsea this season, chipping in with four goals already. Enzo Maresca has used the youngster primarily in small bursts off the bench, but he has dazzled when given a chance.

Ancelotti is clearly impressed too and speaking after Saturday’s friendly, the legendary coach was full of praise for the Chelsea tyro.

“Estevao has incredible amount of talent,” he said. “He’s good at finishing, has a lot of magic… and he works very hard. I can say this: with Estevao, Brazil have a guaranteed future.

“He’s a very talented player. He is able to show every game, in Chelsea too, and he doesn’t need a lot of minutes to show his quality.

“He can play five minutes and he can show his quality. I think the Brazil national team is really lucky to have him, and also Chelsea.”

The forward is rated as one of the top young players in world football and could eventually end up costing Chelsea in the region of £50 million.

The Blues are blessed in the forward positions, so Maresca can afford to manage the youngster’s game time. Chelsea will be hopeful of having Cole Palmer back from injury soon, while Alejandro Garnacho, Pedro Neto and Jamie Gittens have all been handed chances this season.

However, if Estevao continues to shine with the chances he gets then it won’t be long before he’s a regular feature in the starting XI.