‘Can’t mark him!’ – Estevao Willian stuns manager with latest masterclass

Chelsea-bound Estevao Willian was once again on the scoresheet for Palmeiras this week, and Bahia manager Rogerio Ceni’s immediate reaction to his goal said it all.

Willian continued to make headlines with another superb goal after sealing a move to Chelsea last month. The 17-year-old scored in Palmeiras’ 2-0 win against Bahia for a second successive game and was singled out for praise from the opposition team.

The youngster, rated as one of the best young players in Brazil, sprinted from inside his own half before cutting inside, past a helpless defender. He then curled an unstoppable effort into the top corner.

After netting Palmeiras’ first goal on the brink of half-time, Sao Paulo legend-turned-manager Ceni turned to the bench and is seen saying: “There’s no way you can mark this guy. You can’t stop him.”

Perhaps it’s no coincidence that his nickname is ‘Messinho’ (little Messi). The winger then provided an assist for teammate Rony to wrap up the win.

In its player ratings, Globo Esporte handed Willian the highest rating (8). They wrote: “He truly is magical, like manager Abel Ferreira says. Estevao scored once again wearing the Palmeiras shirt and provided an assist to Rony for the second goal.

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“In the final moments of the first half, he received a pass from Anibal Moreno and carried the ball all the way into the box, dribbling past the defender and taking a classy shot. In the second half, he received the ball on the right and provided a low cross for Rony.”

Speaking after the game, manager Ceni said: “A special player, just like we saw Lucas [Beraldo] emerge at Sao Paulo and Neymar at Santos. He’s very talented despite the young age and made good decisions during the game. He has everything to become one of the greatest in the world of football.”

Meanwhile, Bahia midfielder Everton Ribeiro also singled out the 17-year-old for praise. “A star that Brazil will have, for sure. He has a huge career ahead of him. He came to speak to me to say he really liked my football, I was flattered.

“Estevao is a boy who was born with a different, refined football. I wished him all the best and said I was a fan of the football that he plays and I hope he can do that in every game.”

After the game, Estevao took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote: “Thank you God for another goal, assist and another victory. All honour and glory to God. We continue,” followed by a green heart.