Estevao’s Rising Star: A Dual Perspective on His Potential

Estevao, affectionately known as ‘Messinho’ in Brazil, has quickly become a sensation at Stamford Bridge. Since his £29 million ($38 million) transfer from Palmeiras this summer, he has consistently impressed, notably scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner against Liverpool that endeared him to fans. His composure has also shone through in European competitions, where he successfully converted a penalty against Ajax in the Champions League and netted a goal in a tense 2-2 draw with Qarabag. Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s head coach, has placed significant trust in Estevao, elevating him from an impact substitute to a crucial figure in the team’s attacking lineup.

However, former England winger John Barnes has issued a cautionary note to those prematurely labeling Estevao as the next breakout star. He warns that the young talent risks following in the footsteps of Jadon Sancho, whose promising start was followed by a swift decline. In an interview with Video Gamer, Barnes stated, “Estevao is a young player who has come into the team and is doing well at the moment. However, I remember Jadon Sancho doing the same thing, and based on that, I prefer to reserve my opinions on young players until they have fully developed. We must avoid placing undue pressure on him at this stage.

“In reality, he’s had 10 good games… he hasn’t achieved anything substantial yet! While he possesses immense potential, we’ve witnessed similar situations at Chelsea before, with many examples where it hasn’t worked out. Given the depth of the squad, he might not start every week; a few underwhelming performances could lead to quick criticism after just another 10 games. He has great ability and the potential to become a standout player, but at this moment, he has yet to realize significant achievements.”

Maresca, on the other hand, holds a contrasting view. The Italian manager, who has closely monitored Estevao’s transition since his arrival, believes that Chelsea has secured one of the most talented prospects in the football world. “You can see his talent,” Maresca remarked following Chelsea’s 3-0 victory over Wolves, where Estevao once again drew attention. “We are committed to helping him adapt and ensuring he receives appropriate playing time. He arrived from Brazil needing time to adjust, but he will be starting matches for us in the future. He came from a club where he wasn’t training to his full potential, affecting his physical condition. However, he is gradually improving. He understands that playing for us requires both technical skill and work off the ball; otherwise, he won’t feature. We are very pleased with his progress.”

Maresca further compared Estevao’s development path to that of Chelsea star Cole Palmer. “For me, their trajectories are very similar. I coached Cole at the same age as Estevao at Manchester City’s Under-23 team, and they share many characteristics. Cole initially played wide to build physicality, but now he plays more centrally. I believe Estevao will follow a similar path, currently playing wide but likely to transition inside in the future.

“I feel fortunate to be his manager, as it is truly exciting to witness his growth. Fans pay to see talents like Cole and Estevao, so it’s gratifying to have such players in our ranks.”

Estevao has also received a call-up to Brazil’s senior squad for upcoming friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia. Upon his return to London, Estevao will face a challenging schedule, with Chelsea set to clash with Burnley on November 22, followed by back-to-back matches against Barcelona in the Champions League and Arsenal in the Premier League.