Enzo Maresca asks for patience with Estêvão and compares Chelsea newcomer to Cole Palmer
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has called for patience with Estêvão, the club’s 18-year-old Brazilian signing from Palmeiras, stressing that the winger must be given time to adapt to life in England.
Speaking ahead of the new European season, Maresca highlighted the cultural and competitive transition the teenager is facing, urging fans and media not to place undue expectations on him.
“We need to pay a little more attention because he’s from another part of the world and he’s very young. We must not pressure him instead, give him joy and time,” Maresca said.
Versatility Draws Cole Palmer Comparison
While tempering expectations, Maresca also praised Estêvão’s tactical flexibility, likening him to Chelsea’s star forward Cole Palmer.
“For me, he’s like Cole Palmer in terms of positioning. He can play on the outside, inside… in the five attacking positions, he can play anywhere,” the manager noted.
Debut Possible in Pre-Season Fixtures
Estêvão, who joined Chelsea after turning 18, has been training with the squad and could make his unofficial debut this weekend in friendlies against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan.
Before moving to London, the winger made 37 appearances for Palmeiras in 2024, scoring 12 goals and providing five assists in the first half of the Brazilian season.
Chelsea’s Transfer Window Still Active
Chelsea’s recruitment drive may not be over, with Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho among the names linked to the club. Currently out of Manchester United’s plans, the 20-year-old could command a fee of around €46 million.
