Estêvão is quickly proving that big occasions no longer intimidate him. The Brazilian teenager, now shining for Chelsea, has scored in both the Champions League and against Liverpool. Two stages where doubts once surrounded his performances.

Back in Brazil, during his time at Palmeiras, some questioned whether he could deliver in decisive games. Now, the 18-year-old has answered that talk on the pitch. Speaking to ESPN Brazil, Estêvão dismissed the old narrative with calm confidence.

“I didn’t worry about that label because I’m 18 years old. Nobody is fully ready at 18. I thank God that things didn’t happen exactly how I or others wanted in Brazil,” he said.

“It’s about maturing and growing. I handled it calmly, and my family was always with me,” the Chelsea player added.

Despite his progress, Estêvão admits he still feels butterflies before the biggest matches. Reflecting on his goal against Ajax on 22 October, his first in the Champions League, he laughed about the moment.

“Don’t even mention it! Before the Champions League game, I had a little knot in my stomach. Hearing the anthem from inside the pitch is surreal”, he said.

Chelsea’s £52m signing...