Enzo Maresca expressed that he feels “fortunate” to coach Estêvão, believing the Brazilian youngster has the potential to follow in the footsteps of Cole Palmer and thrive in the Chelsea first team.
On Wednesday night, the Blues dominated a 10-man Ajax at Stamford Bridge, with 18-year-old Estêvão making history as the club’s youngest-ever scorer in the Champions League.
Estêvão was outstanding in just his fifth start for Chelsea since his £29 million transfer from Palmeiras, almost finishing off his performance with an extraordinary overhead kick that narrowly missed.
Maresca, who coached Palmer—unavailable due to injury—during their time at Manchester City’s academy before the England international joined Chelsea, said: “What’s intriguing about Estêvão is that typically, with young players, you’re concerned they may have one great match and think they are at the top. However, Estêvão maintains a humble and polite demeanor and is eager to learn. His family plays a significant role in this. We’re delighted not just with his performance, but also because he is a good person.”
“In the Premier League, I believe he needs a bit more time. His development is quite similar to that of Cole Palmer. I trained Cole at the same age with City’s Under-23s. While Cole initially played on the wing, he now plays inside. I see Estêvão in a similar trajectory; currently, he plays wide, but I envision him becoming more of an inside player in the future.”
“I consider myself fortunate to manage him; it’s a thrilling experience. We’ve mentioned it before—fans come to watch players like Cole Palmer and Estêvão, and it’s fantastic that we have talents like them.”
Following a VAR review that led to Ajax’s captain Kenneth Taylor being sent off for a tackle on Facundo Buonanotte in the 17th minute, Marc Guiu scored first, followed by Moisés Caicedo adding a second goal.
Ajax narrowed the gap with a penalty scored by Wout Weghorst in the 33rd minute, only for the former Manchester United striker to concede another penalty for a foul on Enzo Fernández, whom he fouled just before half-time; Fernández converted the penalty.
Estêvão then earned and scored his own penalty, before substitute Tyrique George added a fifth goal shortly after the break. Chelsea made history as the first team in Champions League history to feature three teenagers on the scoresheet, and 17-year-old Reggie Watts also entered the record books as the club’s youngest-ever player in the competition.
“It’s the club’s strategy,” Maresca noted, having made 10 changes from the team that beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 last weekend. “We have numerous young players. Last season, we had the youngest squad in Premier League history, and we continue on this path this season.”
“I work with these players every day, and I understand their capabilities. I know we will face challenges along the way, but what’s promising is their eagerness to learn and improve.”