Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s manager, compared the development of Brazilian forward Estevao to that of Cole Palmer during a press conference this Friday in London. The Italian coach highlighted similarities in the trajectories of both players, who started out on the wings before moving to more central positions. The statement comes ahead of the clash against Liverpool in the seventh round of the Premier League on October 5.
Maresca emphasized the need for physical adaptation in the English league, which requires greater robustness to play in midfield.
Estevao, 18 years old, joined the club in August after a transfer from Palmeiras for around 33 million euros, with potential bonuses up to 60 million.
- He has accumulated eight official matches with the Blues this season.
- He already has one assist in the Premier League.
- He was a starter in four league games.
Estevao’s initial trajectory with the Blues
Estevao made his Premier League debut against Manchester United in August, coming on in the second half. His speed and dribbling caught immediate attention, contributing to a 2-1 victory. The young Brazilian from Franca, in São Paulo’s interior, signed a contract until 2033 with Chelsea.
In the following month, he played as a right winger in the 3-0 win over West Ham, where he delivered key passes. Maresca opted for rotational lineups to preserve the athlete, considering his youth and the intensity of European competition.
Versatility as a tactical weapon
The comparison with Palmer stems from the shared history of both under Maresca’s command in Manchester City’s U-23s. Palmer, now the Blues’ starting No. 10, evolved from winger to central creator after gaining muscle mass. Estevao follows a similar pattern, with training focused on strengthening.
Physical preparation for midfield
The Premier League imposes unique demands in terms of physical contact, according to Maresca. He plans to gradually insert Estevao into the center of the attack, avoiding early overload. The coach mentioned that Palmer needed time to adapt, scoring 22 goals in the last season.
Estevao participates in specific weight training sessions three times a week, integrated into the squad’s schedule. This approach aims to prevent common injuries in young South Americans in Europe. Chelsea’s medical department monitors indicators such as leg strength and resistance to fouls.
Performance in the Champions League
Estevao faced Benfica in the Champions League group stage in September, playing 70 minutes as a starter. He completed 85% of his passes and recovered four balls, helping in the 2-0 victory. The match took place at Stamford Bridge with an attendance of 38,000 fans.
His movement on the flanks created spaces for the midfielders, aligning with Maresca’s possession strategy.
Contributions to the Brazilian National Team
Called up by Carlo Ancelotti, Estevao joined the Brazilian National Team for the World Cup Qualifiers. In September, he scored his first goal for the Selecao in the 3-0 win over Chile at the Maracana. The goal came in the 62nd minute from a penalty, sealing the result.
Ancelotti praised the player’s maturity in a post-match press conference. Estevao has five international caps, with one goal and two assists.
Expectations for the Liverpool clash
Maresca is considering starting Estevao against Liverpool at Anfield. The matchup marks Palmer’s return from a groin injury, absent since September. With eight players in the medical department, the coach prioritizes rotation in the attack.
Chelsea sits in fourth place in the Premier League with 12 points from six games. Estevao trains on mid-range finishes, preparing to play further forward.
Highlights from recent performances
- Against Brighton: Neutralized Mitoma with three tackles.
- In the League Cup: Assisted the second goal in the win over Barrow.
- In preseason friendly: Scored against Bayer Leverkusen.
These numbers reinforce the Brazilian’s quick integration into the squad.