Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has dismissed comparisons between his teenage sensation Estevao and Lionel Messi, following the Brazilian’s brilliant solo goal in Tuesday’s 3-0 Champions League victory over Barcelona.
The 18-year-old winger showcased his immense talent, outshining fellow teen prodigy Lamine Yamal as the Blues secured their third win in five matches during the group stage. Estevao’s moment of brilliance came ten minutes after the second half kicked off, when he picked up the ball on the right, evaded two defenders, and fired a stunning strike into the top corner of goalkeeper Joan Garcia’s net.
This marked Estevao’s tenth goal of the season for club and country, achieved just months into his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea’s other goals came courtesy of a Jules Kounde own goal and a late finish from substitute Liam Delap. Barcelona were reduced to ten men late in the second half after captain Ronald Araujo received a second yellow card.
When asked if the strike reminded him of Messi, Maresca instead likened the goal to a moment from Estevao’s time at Palmeiras, where he had scored against Chelsea at the Club World Cup in July. The Italian coach emphasized the importance of keeping the youngster relaxed and enjoying his football, as he continues to become a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge.
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