"Every exciting young attacker is rated on a scale from one to Lionel Messi. The two teenagers perhaps at the upper end of the scale are Lamine Yamal - already a global superstar - and now Chelsea's Estevao Willian. Yamal, like Argentina legend Messi, emerged from Barcelona's famed La Masia academy. Estevao was reluctantly crowned 'Messinho' - translated as 'little Messi' - through his performances in Brazil's top flight, and has started brilliantly since joining Chelsea after the summer Club World Cup."
"As far as public records show, Tuesday's Champions League game between Chelsea and Barcelona at Stamford Bridge will be the first time Yamal faces Estevao in an official match. The 18-year-olds were born three months apart in 2007. They are now considered the two most valuable teenagers in world football - according to CIES Football Observatory,, external Yamal is valued at a staggering 307.4m, with Estevao second but lagging far behind at 103.8m."
"I think both of them are very special players. They have a lot of talent, always want the ball, and take on defenders one-on-one. They are players who can decide games. The difference now is that Lamine has played in Europe for a few seasons. If Estevao keeps it up, I think he can reach Lamine's level. They enjoy the game, love the ball and express themselves."
Lamine Yamal and Estevao Willian are two 18-year-old attackers regarded among the top teenage talents worldwide. Yamal emerged from Barcelona's La Masia and is already a global figure, while Estevao earned the nickname 'Messinho' in Brazil and moved to Chelsea from Palmeiras after the Club World Cup. Estevao's transfer was agreed as a pre-contract in May 2024 for 29m, rising to 51m with add-ons. CIES valuations place Yamal at 307.4m and Estevao at 103.8m. Tuesday's Champions League meeting at Stamford Bridge is their first official encounter, and Marc Cucurella has compared their styles and potential.
Read at www.bbc.com
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