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Enzo Maresca Backs Estevão Willian and Plays Down Comparisons With Lamine Yamal
Chelsea and Barcelona clash in the Champions League, with Estevao Willian in the spotlight. Maresca trusts the Brazilian, praises his talent, and urges fans not to compare him to Lamine Yamal.
Estevao Willian, the Brazilian gem inspiring Chelsea
Chelsea looks to the future with excitement thanks to Estevao Willian, the talented 18-year-old Brazilian winger who has made a sensational impact in his debut season at Stamford Bridge. With four goals and one assist in 16 appearances, Estevao has shown he can contribute despite his youth, and coach Enzo Maresca has no doubts in backing him. Although his playing time is carefully managed, the Premier League is beginning to recognize this phenomenon destined to leave a mark on European football.
The Brazilian combines speed, technique, and advanced game vision for his age, qualities that place him at the center of attention ahead of the Champions League clash against Barcelona. Maresca has praised his learning ability and humility, emphasizing that his development should focus on himself without comparisons that could add unnecessary pressure.
A dream debut and international expectations
Estevao’s impact extends beyond Chelsea. With five goals in his last six matches for Brazil, the young attacker has proven he can perform on the international stage. His career at Palmeiras, where he scored 27 goals and provided 15 assists in 83 games, demonstrates that his talent was already ready to make the jump to Europe. Now in England, his adaptation has been quick and effective, making him a key resource for Maresca.
The Italian coach has highlighted that Estevao’s development must be gradual, stressing that comparing him to stars like Lamine Yamal or Pedri is unnecessary. The priority is for Estevao to grow and enjoy his football, becoming an elite player at his own pace.
Maresca urges patience and avoids comparisons with Yamal
Ahead of the Barcelona clash, Maresca reiterated his confidence: "Estevao will be an important player for this club, no doubt." However, he warned that comparisons to the Spanish winger would be unfair and premature. Yamal, with 31 goals and 42 assists in 118 appearances for Barcelona, is already more established, while Estevao is just beginning his European journey.
To Maresca it's more important enjoy, learn, and improve day by day. Only this way can Estevao become a decisive figure for Chelsea and eventually for the Brazilian national team.
The prodigies’ duel that will electrify Stamford Bridge
The clash between Chelsea and Barcelona will not be just another match: it is a showdown between two of the best young talents in world football. Estevao Willian and Lamine Yamal, both 18, represent different generations, styles, and career paths, but share the same capacity to amaze. While Yamal is already a standout in La Liga and European competitions, Estevao has the opportunity to forge his own narrative, prove his worth, and become a future reference in world football.

























