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News
- 2 hours ago
Ignore the criticism! Enzo Maresca is managing Estevao PERFECTLY
Cameron Smith
- 3 Nov 2025 12:36 GMT
- 4 min read
Analysis
Chelsea fans are growing increasingly frustrated by Enzo Maresca’s sparing use of Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian so far this season.
The 18-year-old prodigy arrived at Stamford Bridge from Palmeiras for an initial transfer fee of €45 million ahead of the 2025-26 campaign and he has already established himself as a fan favourite in west London.
Current ETV
Estêvão
F, M (R)
Chelsea
Estêvão
F, M (R)
Chelsea
ETV Range
€68.7M - €83.9M
Estevao has scored three goals and provided one assist in 14 appearances across all competitions so far this term, including a dramatic last-minute winner against Liverpool before the October international break, and he has dazzled Chelsea fans with his quick feet and dribbling prowess.
In fact, it appears as though the Blues may have found a suitable long-term heir to club legend Eden Hazard.
However, the teenager has only started four Premier League matches since his arrival at Chelsea, while he has racked up just 541 minutes of action across all competitions this season.
This has angered a large section of the online Chelsea fanbase, many of whom expressed their frustration during their 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening.
Despite the win, several supporters were disappointed that it took until the 85th minute for Maresca to withdraw the tiring Pedro Neto and send on Estevao in his place. But, the Blues head coach deserves praise, rather than criticism, for his handling of the 18-year-old since his move to Chelsea.
Why Enzo Maresca is managing Estevao perfectly
Estevao has already established himself as one of Chelsea’s most talented players and he has been widely praised by Maresca on a number of occasions so far this campaign. However, his gradual introduction into the first-team is exactly what he needs for his development.
Bukayo Saka, for example, has been an ever-present at Arsenal since the age of 19 and he has suffered continuous injury niggles over the past year, likely due to the strain of such regular football.
An even more recent example is Lamine Yamal, who has already played 115 first-team matches for Barcelona, despite the fact he only turned 18 years old in July.
The Spain international has missed five matches through a groin injury this season and reports suggest he is suffering from Pubalgia, which causes pain in the pubic area due to an imbalance of the adductor and abdominal muscles.
Considering Estevao made a whopping 83 appearances for Palmeiras’ first-team before his move to Chelsea, it’s extremely sensible that his development is being closely monitored.
STATS
Estêvão
F, M (R)
Chelsea
Estêvão
F, M (R)
Chelsea
Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo were both gently eased into the first-team to great success at Real Madrid, while the same can be said for Desire Doue at Paris Saint-Germain last season.
Furthermore, given Chelsea have Alejandro Garnacho, Jamie Gittens and the aforementioned Neto as options out wide, Estevao doesn’t need to be a guaranteed starter just yet.
The Brazilian will almost undoubtedly become a pivotal player for Chelsea over the next year, however Maresca is currently handling his development perfectly by consciously allowing him to adapt to English football at a comfortable pace. For that, he deserves praise.
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