Maresca Urges Patience for Chelsea’s Estevao Amid Comparisons with Barcelona’s Yamal

omidbasir- Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has sought to temper comparisons between 18-year-old rising star Estevao and Barcelona’s prodigy Lamine Yamal as both prepare to take the field in a highly anticipated Champions League match.

Estevao has made a remarkable start to his inaugural season in England, contributing both goals and assists in limited playing time as Chelsea carefully manages his integration into Premier League football. His dynamic dribbling and innate flair have quickly made him a fan favorite, and he enters the match against Barcelona in excellent form, having impressed for both club and country.

Maresca has consistently lauded the winger’s maturity and eagerness to learn, but he cautioned that comparisons to more seasoned players could impose unnecessary pressure on Estevao at a time when he is still adjusting to the rigors of European competition. With four goals and one assist in 16 appearances thus far, the Brazilian has already shown his capability to impact high-stakes matches when utilized effectively. Chelsea views him as a key pillar of their long-term strategy, yet Maresca emphasizes the necessity of a gradual developmental approach.

“Estevao is already performing at a high level and is earning starting positions for Brazil,” Maresca stated to reporters ahead of the Barcelona clash. “He is very young and undoubtedly has many areas for improvement, but we are very pleased with his progress. It is exciting for football enthusiasts to watch talents like Estevao, Lamine Yamal, and Pedri. We are thrilled to have Estevao on our team.”

“Estevao is poised to become an integral player for this club in the future, without a doubt. The most crucial focus for him right now is to enjoy his football, maintain happiness, and not compare himself to others, whether that be this player or that player,” Maresca continued, highlighting the importance of shielding Estevao from external pressures. “He should strive to be better than himself each day, work diligently, and improve, and he will certainly become a top player for this club.”

The Chelsea manager further clarified that the comparisons to Yamal are both premature and unfair due to their differing developmental paths. Yamal boasts 31 goals and 42 assists in 118 appearances for Barcelona, placing him at a more advanced stage in his career, while Estevao is only beginning his journey in European football. Maresca concluded by reiterating that enjoyment, learning, and consistent improvement are essential for Estevao’s progression.

Estevao has emerged as one of the standout stories of Chelsea’s season, arriving from Palmeiras amidst considerable hype and swiftly demonstrating his ability to meet the demands of elite-level football. His four goals and one assist only partially reflect his contributions, as his speed, creativity, and fearlessness have injected a much-needed vigor into Chelsea’s attacking play. His international performance further elevates his profile; he has netted five goals in his last six matches for Brazil, signaling the emergence of a future star for the Selecao.

The winger’s transition from Palmeiras to England underscores Maresca’s call for patience. At his previous club, Estevao accumulated 27 goals and 15 assists in 83 appearances, establishing himself as one of South America’s top young prospects before Chelsea secured his services. Despite the excitement surrounding him, Maresca remains mindful of the challenges young wingers face in the Premier League and aims to shield Estevao from comparisons that could impede his development.

On the opposing side, Yamal’s remarkable rise at Barcelona has set new benchmarks for teenage talent. Having shattered multiple age-related records, he has already emerged as a pivotal player in La Liga and the Champions League, carving out a unique trajectory even among elite prospects.

Estevao is expected to participate in some capacity against Barcelona; however, Maresca may continue to manage his playing time judiciously, considering the fixture’s intensity. The club’s long-term vision is to gradually enhance his influence as he acclimatizes both physically and tactically to English and European football. A commendable performance on the Champions League stage would further bolster his reputation, but Chelsea remains committed to a steady and sustainable developmental path.

Meanwhile, Yamal is likely to be the first name on Hansi Flick’s team sheet as the Catalan side witnesses the return of players from injury ahead of a demanding winter schedule.