Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca praised 18-year-old winger Estevao after his performance in the 3-0 Premier League victory over Wolves on Saturday.
Right-back Malo Gusto opened the scoring in the 51st minute, and Estevao assisted Joao Pedro for the second goal shortly after entering the match. Pedro Neto completed the scoring from a cross by Alejandro Garnacho, who also provided two assists.
“I was very worried before this game. Then when Estevao came on, the energy raised because people love that kind of player,” Maresca said. “He arrived from Brazil, he needs time to adapt, but he’s going to start games for us in the future.”
Estevao, valued at over 100 million pounds by CIES Football Observatory, has largely featured as a substitute since joining Chelsea this pre-season. Maresca called him “a top, top player” for the club over the next decade.
Garnacho, who joined Chelsea from Manchester United in August, is gradually improving his physical condition and has impressed with his work rate. “He knows that to play with us he needs to be good on the ball and off the ball otherwise he’s not going to play. We are very happy with him,” Maresca said.
Chelsea’s victory temporarily moves them into second place in the Premier League, a point above Manchester City, with a game in hand. The team will face Burnley in their next league match on November 22 after the international break.
Wolves, eight points adrift of safety, were led by caretaker manager James Collins, who emphasized that the squad remains united despite the defeat. “The boys are together and are working hard. There are a lot of games left. Our season is not going to be defined by Chelsea away,” Collins said.
