Joe Cole believes Chelsea wonderkid Estevao will 'excite' fans - 'He gives me Neymar vibes'
Published 30/08/2025 at 11:57 GMT+1
TNT Sports pundit and former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole heaped praise on Blues wonderkid Estevao, saying that the 18-year-old gives him "Neymar vibes". The teenager has had a bright start to life at Stamford Bridge and given supporters a glimpse into the future. Cole also praised Liam Delap and predicted that the striker could be one of the signings of the season.
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Video credit: TNT Sports
Joe Cole has said that Chelsea wonderkid Estevao gives him "Neymar vibes" ahead of The Blues' Premier League clash against Fulham on Saturday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
The 18-year-old lit up London Stadium on his first start for Chelsea last week, where he produced an assist for Enzo Fernandez in a 5-1 drubbing of West Ham United.
Estevao joined this summer from Palmeiras after already building a reputation as one of South America's most exciting young talents.
"What an exciting player he is," the former Chelsea player said.
"I watched him play at the Club World Cup and he was direct, he was raw. Then I saw him put a Chelsea shirt on and I listened to the crowd respond to him.
"He gets it, he drives at players, he gives me Neymar vibes, that type of energy."
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Estevao played against Chelsea in the Club World Cup for Palmeiras before making his move to England, and netted an outstanding goal as the Blues beat them 2-1.
"When you come to watch football you want to watch players that excite you, and he will excite these Chelsea fans."
The teenager is not the only exciting addition to Enzo Maresca's squad, which has an average age of 24.
Liam Delap also arrived in the summer, leaving relegated Ipswich Town after he fired in 12 league goals.
Cole believes that the 22-year-old could end up being one of the signings of the season.
"I think he could be one of the best signings of this season. I love this kid," he said.
"I love his aggression, he's winning everything. If he's playing you at anything, he's trying to win.
"I can see defenders when they're playing against him just shaking their heads because he's giving them no space.
"He's very much a throwback centre forward, and I think by the end of the season we'll look back at that signing and go, 'Yep, that was top.'"
How to watch Chelsea v Fulham on TNT Sports
Chelsea host Fulham on Saturday, August 30.
Kick-off is at 12:30 UK time, with live coverage on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and discovery+ starting from 11:00.
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Stream Serie A, the Premier League, Men’s and Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+
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