Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has downplayed comparisons between teenage sensation Estevao and Barcelona’s prodigy Lamine Yamal ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League showdown at Stamford Bridge.
Since joining Chelsea in July, 18-year-old Estevao has impressed with nine goals across club and international duties, quickly establishing himself as a key figure for the Blues. At a pre-match press conference on Monday, Maresca was asked whether Yamal, just three months younger than Estevao, could serve as a role model for the Brazilian.
“Estevao is already playing at a high level; he is already in the starting 11 with Brazil. For sure, he is very young; he can do many things better, but we are very happy with him,” Maresca said. “It’s nice for people that love football to watch players like Estevao, like Lamine Yamal, like (Barcelona midfielder) Pedri. This is the beauty of football.”
The Italian coach emphasized that Estevao should concentrate on his own growth rather than comparing himself to peers. “He is going to be, for sure, an important player for this club. For the future, no doubt. He has to be happy. He does not have to think about being better than this player or the other player. He has just to be better than himself day by day. Try to work hard, improve,” Maresca added.
Maesca also provided an update on forward Cole Palmer, who has been sidelined by a toe injury. “Cole is wearing a (protective) boot. We don’t know when he will be back, but for sure it will be soon. He’s already on the pitch, he’s already touching the ball, and the feeling (for him) is good,” he said, noting that Palmer would likely miss Tuesday’s match against Barcelona as well as the upcoming Premier League clash with Arsenal.
Chelsea and Barcelona currently sit level on seven points after four matches in the Champions League group stage, with both clubs seeking to climb the standings.
Maesca also revealed his footballing philosophy has been shaped by Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona, whose possession-based style captivated him during Guardiola’s time at the Nou Camp. “I decided to be a manager because of Pep’s team, Barcelona, years ago,” Maresca explained. “Now, if clubs or teams decide on a different style, I have said many times that any club, any team can decide in the way they want to play. I chose mine years ago, and this will be the way I like to watch my team in football and also in the future.”
The Blues will be eager to harness the energy and creativity of Estevao while staying focused on their tactical approach as they prepare to host Barcelona in a crucial Champions League fixture.
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