Enzo Maresca answers tactical question about Estevao, Palmer and Neto as Chelsea’s attacking 3 | OneFootball

Chelsea’s attacker situation is generating some interest at the moment.

They had a pretty major overhaul in the summer, letting Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke go while having it confirmed that Mykhailo Mudryk wouldn’t be coming back soon, if ever.

Chelsea’s wide options all with separate question marks

Jamie Gittens fights for the ball. (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images)

Jamie Gittens, Estevao Willian and Alejandro Garnacho were brought in as wide options to replace them, but they all have different issues. Estevao is very young and making his first steps in European football. Gittens has struggled since moving from Dortmund, playing pretty poorly in his minutes so far. Garnacho is used to the league but didn’t train much in preseason and is still getting up to speed

For tomorrow’s game against Man U, Enzo Maresca reckons that Garnacho will be fit. We expect him to start with Maresca favourite Pedro Neto on the other side. But Estevao is in contention – unlike Gittens, he’s really impressed in his minutes so far.

Enzo Maresca asked about Estevao’s form so far

The Chelsea manager was asked about the Brazilian wonderkid’s form so far in his press conference today.

“Estevao can be great in all the attacking positions because his talent is very good, he is a top player,” Maresca said.

“But at the same time he’s 18-years-old, so he needs time. But I think both [Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto] they can play wide, both they can play as a 10. And I feel very lucky to have both of them with us.”

We wouldn’t worry too much about his gentle criticism of Estevao – Maresca always likes to keep players hungry by not lavishing them with too many compliments, especially the youngsters. Estevao is without doubt in contention to start tomorrow, and at worst will be coming off the bench.