Blues Gaffer Hails Young Brazilian as Future Star After Impact Sub Appearance
Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca, has publicly defended his team selection, naming young sensation Estevao Willian and star man Cole Palmer as the electrifying talents that make fans pay to watch the West London club.
The Italian gaffer faced criticism from a section of the supporters during Saturday’s Premier League match against Wolves for not starting the 18-year-old Brazilian, especially after his man-of-the-match display in the Champions League against Qarabag.
Maresca, however, remained strategic, introducing Estevao in the 64th minute after the Blues had taken the lead. The substitution proved masterful, as the teenager provided a superb cross for Joao Pedro’s goal just minutes after stepping onto the pitch, helping secure a 2-1 victory that pushed Chelsea to second on the table.
In his post-match press conference, Maresca was full of praise for the young prodigy, stating, “His talent is top… He will be for this club, in the next five or ten years, a top, top player.”
The manager directly addressed the fans’ desire to see more of Estevao, explaining, “I said already twice that the reason fans pay tickets is because they want to see players like Estevao and Cole [Palmer] because people are happy when they are on the pitch.”
Maresca emphasized that the club is carefully managing the Brazilian’s adaptation from his home country, assuring everyone that he will slowly be integrated into the starting lineup. He noted the palpable shift in energy at Stamford Bridge whenever Estevao has the ball, a clear sign that the fans have found a new hero.
