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Chelsea announce documentary charting Estevao rise

·By Paul Vegas
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Chelsea announce documentary charting Estevao rise

Chelsea/X.com

Chelsea have announced a new documentary charting Estevao Willian’s rapid rise through Brazilian football and his move to Stamford Bridge from Palmeiras.

The feature film, titled "I am Estevao", will be released on Chelsea’s official subscription platform CFC+ and is expected to examine the journey that established the teenager as one of the most highly regarded young players in world football.

Estevao joined Chelsea from Palmeiras last term in a deal that could eventually be worth £55 million, but the 19-year-old has found regular first-team football difficult to secure under new manager Xabi Alonso.

The forward has played only 23 minutes in the Premier League this season and has not started a league match. He has, however, started both of Chelsea’s League Cup fixtures, although he was substituted at half-time against Leeds.

Pedro Neto has been preferred as an option at right wing-back in Alonso’s 3-4-2-1 system, while Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers have emerged as the manager’s preferred attacking combination.

The lack of Premier League opportunities has prompted speculation over Estevao’s happiness at Chelsea, but the documentary could offer a different perspective on his standing within the club.

Chelsea reportedly regard the Brazilian as a highly marketable player, while his reputation was strengthened during his first season in England when he competed for regular opportunities under Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.

A hamstring injury subsequently disrupted his debut campaign and contributed to his absence from Brazil’s squad for the World Cup.

Estevao has since returned to the international set-up under Carlo Ancelotti and featured in all three of Brazil’s recent friendlies.

He played twice against Australia before scoring and providing an assist in a 4-0 victory over India.

The documentary will now provide Chelsea supporters with a closer look at the forward’s development, from his early years in Brazil to his arrival at Stamford Bridge and the next stage of his career.

The project also comes as Estevao attempts to establish himself under Alonso, with the Chelsea hierarchy continuing to view him as an important part of the club’s long-term plans.