Benfica head coach José Mourinho has once again shown his admiration for young talent, this time singling out Chelsea wonderkid Estevão Willian following his bright display in the Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.

Speaking to TNT Sports Brazil, the former Chelsea boss said: “Estevão is a talent.”

Mourinho highlighted how some expected the 18-year-old to need time to find his feet at Chelsea, especially given the pressure of competing at the highest level: “People might have thought he would take time to adapt because of his youth, immaturity, and the competition he has at Chelsea, but he arrived, is playing at the highest level and is a player with great potential.”

It’s rare to hear Mourinho, a manager known for being cautious when it comes to young players, heap such glowing praise on a teenager. His words underline just how highly Estevão is already rated within European football.

The Brazilian forward, still only 18, has not yet cemented himself as a regular starter at Stamford Bridge, but he has already become an important part of Enzo Maresca’s first-team squad. Every time he is called upon, he provides the spark and unpredictability that Chelsea fans have been craving.

Mourinho’s verdict will only add to the excitement around Estevão’s future. If the teenager continues to develop at his current pace, he could soon become not just a fan favourite, but one of the defining stars of Chelsea’s new era.