Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has played down early comparisons between teenage sensation Estevão and Lionel Messi after the Brazilian wonderkid inspired the Blues to a memorable 3-0 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge.
The buildup to the clash was dominated by the much-anticipated duel between two of Europe’s brightest young prospects — Estevão for Chelsea and Lamine Yamal for Barcelona. But on a night when Maresca’s side produced one of their most complete performances under the Italian coach, it was the 18-year-old Brazilian who stole the show.
With Chelsea leading 1-0 early in the second half, Estevão picked up the ball on the right flank, danced past two defenders, and slotted a composed finish beyond Marc-André ter Stegen to double the hosts’ advantage.
Enzo Maresca, however, was quick to temper expectations, insisting the youngster must be allowed to develop without the burden of unrealistic comparisons.
“No, the goal from Estevão reminded me more of one he scored against us in the Club World Cup,” Enzo Maresca told reporters afterward. “It was the same action, the same type of move. But he needs to relax and just enjoy playing football.
“Him, Lamine — they are only 18. When people start talking about Messi or Ronaldo, it becomes too much pressure for young boys like them. They should arrive at training happy, enjoy the sessions, and focus on learning. That’s how they grow.”
Estevão’s dazzling display prompted suggestions he could now cement himself as a regular starter, but Enzo Maresca insisted that squad rotation remains central to Chelsea’s approach.
“If Estevão doesn’t play, Pedro Neto can play wide, and we’re happy with Pedro,” he explained. “We always choose the team based on the game plan — not on emotion. Tonight, in maybe our most difficult game of the season, we decided Estevão was right for the plan.”
Chelsea’s commanding win — their biggest ever over Barcelona in Europe — has bolstered their position in the group, and attention now turns to another major test away at Arsenal. Whether Estevão starts again will depend, as Maresca reiterated, “on the game plan — but for sure, he will play many games because he’s very, very good.”
