Estevao can beat Yamal to Ballon d'Or — Ex-Liverpool star Djibril Cisse

Former Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse has praised Chelsea wonderkid Estevao Willian, and discussed his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or.

Djibril Cisse believes that Chelsea's young Brazilian star, Estevao, possesses the potential to win the Ballon d’Or, but insists he must couple his talent with mental strength and consistency.

Cisse's comments follow Estevao's impactful performance against Liverpool in the Premier League, where his winning goal secured the Blues a 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge.

In an interview with Poker Strategy, Cisse praised the young winger’s current form.

“It is really good to see Estevao playing so well in the Premier League at the moment at such a young age,” he said.

“He has put in some really strong performances this season. I thought he changed the game against Liverpool.”

Cisse acknowledged that the Premier League features many talented youngsters, but stressed that talent is merely the starting point for global recognition.

“There are a lot of talented young players at the moment like him and Lamine Yamal, but their careers will depend a lot on how they grow up.

Yamal was second in the Ballon d’Or, but to win big awards like that you need more than talent.”

For Estevao to reach the level of the world's best, Cisse advises the 18-year-old to focus on resilience and elite performance over time.

“Estevao will need to be mentally strong and consistent at the top level with more big moments, but the goal against Liverpool will certainly help him a lot.”

The current Ballon d'Or holder is Ousmane Dembele, and Chelsea have a recent top-ten finisher in Cole Palmer (who placed 8th), Estevao clearly has many years ahead to perform at the highest level, making the Ballon d'Or a realistic long-term goal.