As Chelsea prepare for one of their biggest Champions League nights of the season, all eyes are falling on a thrilling subplot: the meeting of two of Europe’s brightest teenagers, Chelsea’s Estevao Willian and Barcelona star Lamine Yamal. But while fans online have already framed the showdown as the next great rivalry, Enzo Maresca is trying to keep things grounded.
A Manager’s Plea For Perspective
Maresca has been full of praise for Estevao since his arrival from Palmeiras, but just days before the Barcelona clash, the Chelsea boss delivered a gentle reminder to everyone watching. The comparisons to Yamal, he believes, are both premature and unnecessary.
“Estevao is very young and already playing at a high level,” Maresca said, urging supporters to let the Brazilian grow without the weight of expectation. For him, the focus should be simple: enjoy the football, improve each day and avoid measuring himself against others.
And he has a point. Yamal is further along in his journey, already boasting more than a hundred appearances, dozens of goals and assists multiple trophies, and a reputation as one of La Liga’s most decisive players. Estevao on the other hand is still navigating his first English winter.
A Rising Star Already Loved By Chelsea Fans
Despite his age and limited minutes, Estevao has quickly made himself a favourite among the Stamford Bridge faithful. With four goals and an assist in 16 appearances, he has offered something Chelsea have desperately needed: fearlessness.
Those sudden bursts of acceleration, the clean touches in tight spaces and the flair that hints at a long Brazilian tradition of expressive wing play have caught Premier League viewers off guard.
His transition from Palmeiras to London has been smoother than many expected. At his former club, Estevao logged 27 goals and 15 assists in 83 games, making him one of the continent’s most coveted teenagers. Chelsea took a gamble on his potential. Now he is paying it back with every cameo.
Why Maresca Is Protecting Him
There’s a cultural awareness behind Maresca’s message. English football has a habit of turning teenagers into superheroes long before they have enough matches behind them. The hype can swallow players.
Maresca knows the Premier League spotlight burns hot. He has seen careers rise and fall under the weight of comparisons and unreasonable timelines. Protecting Estevao now could mean preserving his growth for the next decade.
It also helps that Estevao is already delivering for Brazil, scoring five goals in his last six international appearances. But Maresca wants the world to remember: he is still only months into life in Europe.
Yamal On The Other Side: A Different Journey
Across the pitch will stand Yamal, the Barcelona prodigy who has become a reference point for teenage excellence. Already responsible for 31 goals and 42 assists for the Catalan giants, he is rewriting the expectations for young players.
But that path isn’t replicable for everyone. Yamal’s rise is unique. Maresca wants Estevao to follow his own.
The Bigger Picture For Chelsea
Estevao isn’t just another signing. He is part of Chelsea’s long-term strategy to rebuild with dynamic, high-potential talent. Fans know it, and the excitement around him grows with every match.
But for Maresca, this moment isn’t about creating the Premier League’s next superstar rivalry. It’s about nurturing a player who could define Chelsea’s future if guided with care.
And as the Champions League lights switch on, London and Barcelona might witness a glimpse of that future. Not through comparisons, but through two young players writing their stories in their own time.
Source: SuperSport
Image Source: Chels Transfer on X
Read more: Maresca urges Chelsea’s Estevao to ignore Yamal comparisons
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