Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has addressed the growing comparisons between his teenage winger Estevao and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, urging the Brazilian to focus on his own development rather than being measured against others.

The comments come just ahead of Chelsea’s crucial Champions League clash against Barcelona on Tuesday.

 

Estevao made an immediate impact since joining Chelsea in July, scoring nine goals for both club and country. His performances have drawn attention, with many eager to draw parallels between him and Spain international Yamal, who is just three months younger than the Brazilian.

In a pre-match press conference on Monday, Maresca was asked whether Yamal could serve as a role model for Estevao. The Chelsea boss, however, downplayed the comparison, insisting that the Brazilian was already proving himself at the highest level.

 

“Estevao is already playing at a high level; he’s in Brazil’s starting XI,” Maresca said. “Sure, he’s still very young and there are areas for improvement, but we are very happy with his progress.”

Maresca also praised Estevao’s potential, alongside the talents of other young stars like Yamal and Barcelona’s Pedri, who are exciting fans with their skill and flair. “It’s great for football lovers to watch players like Estevao, Yamal, and Pedri. That’s the beauty of the game,” he added.

 

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However, Maresca emphasized the importance of Estevao remaining focused on his own growth rather than external pressures.

“He’s going to be an important player for Chelsea, no doubt about it. But he needs to focus on himself—on getting better every day,” Maresca said. “He doesn’t need to worry about being better than anyone else. He just needs to keep improving.”

 

As for Chelsea’s upcoming match against Barcelona, both teams are tied on seven points in the Champions League, with four matches played. Maresca reflected on his own footballing philosophy, noting that he was deeply influenced by the possession-based style of Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona, who won two Champions League titles under the manager between 2008 and 2012.

“I decided to become a manager because of Pep’s Barcelona,” Maresca admitted. “Now, teams can choose whatever style they prefer, but I’ve chosen mine. This is the way I want my team to play, both now and in the future.”

With Estevao looking to make his mark on the European stage, all eyes will be on the young Brazilian as Chelsea face Barcelona in what promises to be a high-stakes clash.

 

 

Source: Channels