What Estevao Willian did that 'surprised' Arsenal star as Chelsea admission made

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Estevao Willian has enjoyed a superb start to life at Stamford Bridge with the Chelsea winger settling in seamlessly since arriving from Palmeiras in the summer

Arsenal defender Gabriel has admitted Estevao Willian's start to life at Chelsea has surprised him - with the Brazilian speaking glowingly about his international teammate.

Estevao arrived from Palmeiras in the summer and has made a fantastic start at Stamford Bridge. The 18-year-old winger has scored four goals in 16 appearances for the Blues in all competitions this season and his performances have seen his reputation increase massively.

Enzo Maresca has been cautious with the way he has used Estevao given he is still a teenager adapting to a new country and league, but the tricky winger has come through every challenge seamlessly thus far. Already an established Brazil international, Estevao has even surprised some of his Selecao teammates - including Arsenal defender Gabriel.

"Yes, in a way his start in England has surprised me because he's a young boy who just arrived at Chelsea," said Gabriel at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium ahead of this weekend's clash with Senegal in north London. "But he has a very good head on his shoulders.

"I've spoken to him a bit and I'm happy that he arrived safely. And, of course, when a player from our country arrives here in England, we wish him the best. Not against Arsenal, of course! But I am happy for him."

Estevao and Gabriel are set to go head-to-head later this month with Chelsea welcoming Arsenal to Stamford Bridge on November 30 in the Premier League. Estevao will be hoping to continue his fine form for the Blues after the international break with the teenage sensation already a huge fan favourite in SW6.

Maresca has spoken glowingly about Estevao since he arrived in the summer but the Chelsea head coach has also tried to cool expectations to avoid putting too much pressure on someone so young. The Italian coach has also done this by not starting Estevao in every match despite supporters desperate to see as much from him as possible.

Estevao was introduced to the action on 64 minutes last weekend in the win against Wolves and immediately provided an assist for Brazilian compatriot Joao Pedro to double make it 2-0 for the Blues at Stamford Bridge. "His talent is top," Maresca said on the Brazil winger.

"Again, we are trying to help him adapt and give him the right minutes, and he is doing fantastic. He will be for this club, in the next five or 10 years, a top, top player."

Maresca continued: "I said already twice the reason why fans pay tickets is because they want to see players like Estevao and like Cole [Palmer] because people are happy when they are on the pitch. The only difference is Estevao arrived from Brazil, he needs to adapt a little bit.

"Slowly, slowly, he's going to start games for us in the future."