Chelsea must unleash Estevao on West Ham after eye-catching debut | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has spoken of the Brazilian ‘slowly’ becoming a first-team star... but the youngster looks ready to shine

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Chelsea lacked the vim and vigour to open their season with the desired three points against Crystal Palace, but Friday’s venture across the capital to West Ham presents as good a chance as any to secure their first win of the new campaign.

Once Estevao entered the fray on 54 minutes, there was suddenly some zip and daring about their play down the right. Pedro Neto went out to the left, allowing Estevao to wreak havoc with his close control, eye-catching turn of foot, and low centre of gravity.

Impact: Estevao

Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Later, he hurtled back and clipped Daniel Munoz to prevent a late counter-attack, and pick up his first booking in the process. Eberechi Eze was also on the wrong end of Estevao’s more robust approach, a perhaps unexpected example of an awareness to track back and not think solely about how to do damage in front of him.

That was a microcosm of his confidence throughout his debut, and explains why he must be a contender to start ahead of Neto—or Jamie Gittens if Neto switches right—for Friday trip to east London.

Space was hard to come by against Palace, but a far more accommodating West Ham side—fresh from a 3-0 thumping at newly promoted Sunderland—will provide the gaps and pockets to exploit.

It would show a statement of intent for the season and immense faith in the 18-year-old to upgrade Estevao from impact sub to the starting line-up at the London Stadium. There would certainly be good reason for Enzo Maresca to do so—and not just because Jamie Carragher said he should.

“I feel so good,” he said afterwards, hailing life in the Premier League as an “incredible experience” already.

I have adapted a lot quicker than I thought I would, thanks to the manager, the coaching staff and all my new team-mates

Estevao

“I have adapted a lot quicker than I thought I would, thanks to the manager, the coaching staff and all my new team-mates. They have all helped me so much and given everything to me since I arrived to make me feel comfortable and give me confidence.

“I am just going to keep working hard every single day. I’m enjoying every minute and I’m not trying to make things happen faster,” he added. Things may well start to happen faster for him regardless.

Maresca felt Estevao “showed personality” against the Eagles. “Slowly, slowly he will be a very important player for this club.”

Must it be slowly? The teenager from Sao Paulo has already made a habit of racing ahead of the pack.

There is a feeling among many Chelsea supporters that it is only a matter of time before the Brazil international is starting games in the league. With just one appearance under his belt, there is already a justified clamour for Estevao’s status to be elevated sooner rather than later.