Maresca Urges Patience for Chelsea’s Estêvão Amid Messi Comparisons

LONDON — Enzo Maresca has cautioned that drawing comparisons between Chelsea’s teenage talent Estêvão and superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could impose “too much pressure” on the young Brazilian.

Estêvão was a standout performer for Chelsea, netting a brilliant second goal during the team’s 3-0 victory over a 10-man Barcelona at Stamford Bridge. The match saw Jules Koundé score a disastrous own goal in the 27th minute, followed by Ronald Araújo’s reckless dismissal in the 44th minute, leaving the La Liga champions trailing by a goal and a player at halftime.

Ten minutes into the second half, Estêvão received a pass from Reece James on the right flank, skillfully maneuvered past Pau Cubarsí and Araújo, and unleashed a powerful shot into the net past Joan García.

With this goal, Estêvão became only the third teenager in Champions League history to score in each of his first three appearances, joining the ranks of Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland. Despite the accolades, Maresca urged restraint in making comparisons to legends like Messi and Ronaldo, believing that both Estêvão and fellow 18-year-old Lamine Yamal require space to mature as players.

“Estêvão needs to relax. He should enjoy the game and embrace training sessions. At just 18 years old, comparisons to Messi and Ronaldo can place excessive pressure on young players. They must approach training with joy and enthusiasm,” Maresca stated. “When comparisons arise, it becomes overwhelming for them.”

Since joining Chelsea from Palmeiras in the summer, Estêvão has scored five goals, with Tuesday’s effort being particularly memorable. “I don’t really have the words to describe how I’m feeling. It all happened so quickly. I found some space, navigated through, and I hope to keep scoring for many more years,” he expressed.

He added, “It was truly a perfect night. That goal was a significant moment in my career. From my arrival here, I felt such a bond with the fans. I’m overjoyed to have scored for them and to see them happy.”

Substitute Liam Delap capped off the scoring with 17 minutes remaining, enabling Chelsea to rise to fifth in the league standings, while last season’s semifinalists Barcelona slipped to 15th place.

Chelsea’s next challenge comes against Premier League leaders Arsenal at home on Sunday, where they have the opportunity to narrow the gap at the top to just three points.

Maresca remarked, “The atmosphere was fantastic, especially with our fans in attendance. Sharing moments like this is always rewarding. However, I advised the players to switch off completely for the next 48 hours, focus on recovery, as we prepare for Arsenal.”

“My post-match message was to regain energy, as that is our primary concern right now. Starting Friday, we will shift our focus to Arsenal.”

Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.