Concerns Over Young Talent
LONDON – Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s manager, has expressed concerns that the intense scrutiny following comparisons of young star Estêvão to football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could impose unnecessary pressure on the talented winger. The 18-year-old Brazilian showcased his skills during a solid 3-0 victory against 10-man Barcelona at Stamford Bridge, netting a breathtaking second goal that has sparked debate about his future potential in the sport.
Match Highlights
The match took a dramatic turn when Barcelona’s Jules Koundé accidentally turned the ball into his own net in the 27th minute. Later, Ronald Araújo was sent off just before halftime, leaving the Spanish champions in a challenging position. Ten minutes into the second half, Estêvão took a pass from Reece James, maneuvered past defenders Pau Cubarsí and Araújo, and delivered a powerful shot that soared past goalkeeper Joan García, marking his third consecutive goal in the Champions League.
This achievement places Estêvão alongside football prodigies Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland as one of the only teenagers to score in each of his first three Champions League matches. Despite the acclaim and excitement surrounding him, Maresca insists that too much is being expected of the young forward. He believes that Estêvão, along with compatriot Lamine Yamal, should focus on enjoying their football and growing as players, rather than bearing the weight of lofty comparisons.
“Estêvão needs to relax. He must enjoy the game and focus on training. They are just 18 years old, and talks of Messi or Ronaldo are burdensome. It’s essential for them to embrace their youth and have fun days at training,” Maresca stated.
Estêvão’s Journey
Estêvão has already tallied five goals since joining Chelsea from Palmeiras this summer, and he expressed his joy over the latest goal, saying,
“It was such a special moment for me in my career. I hope to continue scoring for many more years.”
He added a thoughtful tribute to the Chelsea fans, highlighting the bond he felt with them since his arrival.
Looking Ahead
The victory also saw substitute Liam Delap score late in the match, cementing Chelsea’s position in fifth place, while Barcelona struggled, sitting at 15th in La Liga. Chelsea is set to encounter Premier League leaders Arsenal next, a crucial match that may narrow the gap at the top of the table to just three points.
Maresca emphasized the positive experience of the game, yet reminded his players of the importance of downtime and recovery following the match. Looking ahead to the challenge against Arsenal, he stated,
“I told the players to switch off and rest in the next 48 hours. After that, we’ll prepare for Arsenal.”
