Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has dismissed growing comparisons between teenage winger Estevao and Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal as his side prepares for their Champions League meeting with the Spanish giants on Tuesday.
Estevao, 18, has been in strong form since joining Chelsea in July, scoring nine goals for club and country. Despite his rise, Maresca made it clear during Monday’s press conference that he is uninterested in placing the Brazilian alongside other rising stars.
He explained that Estevao is already performing at an elite level, pointing out his place in Brazil’s starting lineup. Maresca stressed that the young winger still has areas to improve but praised his maturity and impact so far.
The Italian encouraged Estevao to shut out external noise and remain focused on his personal development. He said the winger’s priority should be improving daily rather than trying to surpass other talents.
Maresca also provided an update on Cole Palmer, who is recovering from a toe injury. Although the forward is back on the pitch and touching the ball, he is still in a protective boot and is expected to miss the matches against Barcelona and Arsenal.
Barcelona and Chelsea currently sit level on seven points in the league phase of the Champions League. Maresca reflected on his admiration for Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona era, noting that it heavily shaped his own coaching style.
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