According to a report by Chelsea Chronicles on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has praised Chelsea winger Estevao Willian following his impressive performance against Manchester United, claiming that his former club lack an attacker with similar qualities.

Gerrard was particularly impressed by the Brazilian teenager's direct style, confidence and willingness to take on defenders and attempt shots.

Estevao was handed his first Premier League start under Xabi Alonso during Chelsea's 2-0 victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

The decision came after growing calls from supporters for the 18-year-old to receive more playing time following several appearances as a substitute.

The winger responded with an energetic performance, although two of his efforts were ruled out for offside. He also received a warm embrace from Alonso when he was substituted.

Speaking on The Overlap Daily, Gerrard praised Estevao's attacking instincts and suggested Liverpool would benefit from having a player with similar qualities.

“He’s really exciting. He’s great to watch, your typical Brazilian; flair, quality. I love that he’s direct; I really like that he’s hungry to get shots off. If there is a criticism of Liverpool in attack, they don’t shoot enough.

“They’re looking for an extra pass or that bit of perfection, whereas what I like about Estevao is the one where he comes off the right, a combination play; he whips one, and it’s a fantastic save,” Gerrard said.

Gerrard also highlighted the youngster's eagerness to shoot, recalling an opportunity in the first half when he chose to go for goal instead of slowing down the attack and passing to a teammate.

“I like the way he is hungry to get shots off. There was an opportunity in the first half where he could have slowed it down and passed towards the edge of the box, but he wanted to be hungry and get a goal.”

The former Liverpool midfielder believes his old club sometimes take too many touches in attacking positions, making Estevao's willingness to test goalkeepers a valuable quality.

However, the Chelsea youngster still has areas to improve. During the first half against Manchester United, he missed an opportunity to find a better-positioned teammate and instead directed his effort straight at goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

Despite that moment, Gerrard believes Estevao has strengthened his chances of earning regular starts under Alonso.

The Brazilian's growing influence could also create a selection challenge for the Chelsea manager when Joao Pedro returns from his thigh injury.

Pedro is expected to miss this weekend's Premier League trip to Sunderland, potentially giving Estevao another opportunity to start.

Chelsea, however, have several other attacking options, including Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Pedro Neto.

Gerrard acknowledged Neto's importance to the team but believes Estevao's recent display has made the competition for places more difficult. Alonso will therefore have to find the right balance when all his attacking options are available.