Brazilian media react to ‘inspired’ Estevao’s performance for Brazil vs Australia
Estevao Willian was praised for his performance by national media as he made his return to the Brazil national team against Australia in Queensland.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side rescued a 1-1 draw thanks to Rayan’s goal off the bench. The Bournemouth youngster was brought on to replace Estevao in the second half.
The Chelsea man was frustrated at times in a star-studded Brazil side, seeing a well-taken goal in the first half ruled out by VAR for a foul in the build-up.
Despite not scoring or assisting, Brazilian media were very impressed with the 19-year-old’s performance. GE Globo described him as one of his country’s ‘most inspired’ players.
They said: “Upon his return to the national team after injury, he was one of Brazil’s most inspired players. He sought combinations and individual plays and managed to find the net at the end of the first half, but the goal was disallowed due to a foul by Bruno Guimarães at the start of the play.”
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Estevao was the only Chelsea player representing Brazil in this game after Joao Pedro withdrew from the squad after picking up a minor injury before the break. He is another who missed out on representing his nation at the World Cup.
Brazil have another friendly against Australia during this international break, before they face India in a marquee match before the Premier League returns. Estevao will be desperate to make more of an impact in those games to send a message to Xabi Alonso.
He is without a start in the Premier League so far this season, and has struggled to break into a front three that consists of Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer.
Alonso will be watching all of his players during the international break, however the Brazilian’s performances will arguably be the most interesting to the manager as he assesses his options going into the rest of the season.
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