Enzo Maresca Hails Chelsea’s Future Star Estêvão After Club World Cup Showcase
PHILADELPHIA — Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is thrilled by the talent heading his way. Estêvão Willian, the Brazilian sensation, is already making waves, even before setting foot at Stamford Bridge.
The 18-year-old winger, soon to wear Chelsea blue, gave fans a real taste of what’s to come. Playing his final match for Palmeiras, he produced a stunning goal against his future club in their Club World Cup quarter-final clash.
It was a strange night. Estêvão was trying to eliminate the team he was about to join. But Chelsea squeezed through, thanks to a late own-goal from Palmeiras keeper Weverton. The Blues now move on to face Fluminense in the semi-finals.
Yet, the real buzz? All about Estevao.
“You can see he is a huge talent,” Maresca said. “You can see he is a fantastic player. The only thing now is that when you come from South America or another part of the world to Europe, you need to adapt. We are going to help him to adapt and, first of al,l to enjoy football. We don’t have any doubt, as he is so good, that he is going to be an important player for Chelsea.”
Cole Palmer gave Chelsea an early lead. At full-time, he hugged Estevao and swapped shirts with his soon-to-be teammate. “I told Estêvão we are excited for you to join, but he didn’t understand a single word I said,” Palmer joked.
Chelsea secured Estevao last year in a £52 million deal. But the Brazilian stayed at Palmeiras for another season. That decision gave him one last shot to shine for his boyhood club — and he did not disappoint.
He walked away with the Player of the Match award. A final gift to Palmeiras.
“I’m very happy I could score a goal to help my club,” said Estevao. “Unfortunately, this wasn’t the result we wanted, but we gave our best on the pitch. Now I am moving on, and I thank Palmeiras for everything. I will cheer Palmeiras on, and I am so happy to have been part of this club.”
Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira praised Chelsea’s newest gem. “You bought an amazing player, but more than this, you bought an amazing person,” Ferreira said. “You need to take care of him. You need to embrace him, and in the beginning, for sure, he will make mistakes.
He is an amazing player with a lot of skill. He is a player who can win a game alone.”
Ferreira urged Chelsea to give the teenager time. “With new players and a new coach, he will grow as a player and a person. For sure, he will need your support. It’s the first time he will leave his country.
In England, the sun appears two or three times a year, and the night comes early, but with help, Chelsea has conditions to support him.”
The young winger coped well with the physical test. Marc Cucurella was tough on him. But Estevao showed his resilience.
“He has a lot of mobility,” Ferreira added. “He looks slim, but he is strong. He is fast. The way he shot on goal was with his right foot. He is an amazing player.”
Estevao’s farewell was emotional. He applauded the Palmeiras supporters, soaking in his final moments with the club.
Looking ahead, Chelsea has some selection headaches. Levi Colwill and Liam Delap will miss the next match through suspension after picking up yellow cards. Moises Caicedo will return, but there are fitness concerns.
Romeo Lavia’s availability is uncertain, and Reece James pulled out of the starting line-up after feeling tightness during warm-up.
Meanwhile, off the pitch, Chelsea faces financial challenges. The club was recently fined £27 million by UEFA for breaching financial fair play rules. Maresca chose not to comment.
With pressure mounting to balance the books, the Blues may need to offload players this summer. Christopher Nkunku and Noni Madueke, both in the starting eleven against Palmeiras, could be on the list of potential departures.
For now, though, Chelsea fans can look forward to the arrival of Estevao — a star in the making.
