Soccer
Chelsea get close-up of future as they come face-to-face with Palmeiras ace set for Stamford Bridge
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All four of the quarter-final matches at the FIFA Club World Cup offer some intriguing stories as subplots for the battle to make it to the final four.
European heavyweights and the tournament's biggest goal-getters clash when PSG play Bayern, there's a rich history between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund that could come into play in their clash, while the Fluminense and Al-Hilal showdown is the kind of occasion this tournament was created for.
Over in Philadelphia, Chelsea take on Brazilian opposition once again, looking to gain some South American revenge on their group stage loss to Flamengo as they take on Palmeiras.
Yet, perhaps, the bigger story ahead of their last eight meeting is Palmeiras' teenage star Estevao Willian, who, once the Club World Cup is over, will join the Blues ahead of next season.
The Blues agreed a deal for the 18-year-old last year and he will move to Stamford Bridge following events in the US, as he says farewell to a club where he has made such an impact in such a short time as a professional.
It was that impact that generated hype about the forward going into proceedings in the States, hype that this writer jumped on by suggesting the competition could be his platform this summer. However, will that serendipitous moment now come against his future employers?
Flashes waiting to fire
The truth is, we are still waiting for Estevao to really fire at the Club World Cup.
The forward has started in all four games for the Brazilians, and while Palmeiras have impressed during their run to the last eight, what fans really want to see is their latest sensation showing why he's been compared to the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar.
There have been flashes for sure. Against Botafogo, we saw glimpses of his clever feet and he came close with a couple of efforts that showed both his confidence and undoubted ability, but we're yet to see the frightening displays that have been ripping up the Campeonato Paulista.
Can he hurt future friends?
The simple answer is yes, and you can guarantee Chelsea fans will want to see as good as he can give in the hope of seeing more if next season, but a lot may depend on what line-up Enzo Maresca goes for in his backline.
Estevao usually plays right of a three, which would mean a fascinating battle on that side with one of the Blues' best players this season in Marc Cucurella.
However, we've also seen the teen play from the left in the tournament and it could be where he could hurt Chelsea most, given Maresca's indecision on who his first-choice is on the right. Malo Gasto could be beaten for pace, and so Reece James may be the better option.
But it means Romeo Lavia also keeping an eye on his future teammate if he drifts into the middle, which could then create gaps elsewhere for Palmieras to exploit.
Carl Recine - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
The Brazilian wildcard
Estevao may not be the only new Brazilian looking to use the game to make a statement, either.
In between their win over Benfica last weekend and this showdown in Philly, the Blues have added another Samba star to their ranks in Joao Pedro.
The forward has arrived from Brighton and is eligible to play against Palmieras, adding another element to what is already a game with multiple layers of story.
Can the newest kid on the block upstage the former new kid, before he's even had a chance to put on a blue shirt?
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