Maresca: Chelsea winger Estêvão “destined to reach the top of football”
Enzo Maresca believes Chelsea winger Estêvão is “destined to reach the top of football” after an impressive first two months in the Premier League.
The Brazilian joined Chelsea from Palmeiras for £29 million ($38.6m) in the summer, after breaking Neymar’s Brazilian Serie A record for most goal involvements by a player under 18.
Estêvão even scored against Chelsea for Palmeiras in the Club World Cup, his final appearance for the Brazilian club before Maresca’s side went on to win the tournament.
Since arriving in London, the 18-year-old has quickly become a fan favorite at Stamford Bridge, especially after netting a dramatic late winner against Liverpool earlier this month.
Chelsea supporters and Maresca alike were excited by his signing, but the Italian coach admits he has been surprised by how quickly Estêvão has adapted to English football.
“He surprised us a lot by the way he adapted — he is very young, just 18,” Maresca told ESPN Brasil.
“I think his family helps him a lot because they are very close to him.
“He arrived here and found João Pedro and Andrey Santos, who give him great help.
“We, as staff, coach, and club, are doing everything we can so that he can arrive and adapt. He’s a boy whose face shows he is very happy and content.”
Maresca added with a laugh that Estêvão is still adjusting to England’s weather.
“He said it was a bit cold here last week, but for us, it was still warm. We told him the cold hasn’t arrived yet! We’re very satisfied and very happy to have him here.”
Estêvão’s start at Chelsea has already seen him break several records, including becoming the club’s youngest-ever Champions League scorer in the 5–1 win over Ajax on Wednesday.
He has also broken into the Brazil national team, scoring on his debut against Chile last month before adding two more goals in a 5–0 rout of South Korea a fortnight later.
Maresca, who has worked closely with the teenage star since his arrival, says he has no doubt about Estêvão’s potential.
“I have no doubt that he can fight for the Ballon d’Or or The Best award,” Maresca said.
“The most important thing is that he focuses on growing and improving — then those awards will come naturally.
“He’s a boy who works very well, who is very good. I’m sure all those awards will come, and I’m convinced he’s a footballer destined to reach the top of football, because he has everything.”
