Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca on Estevao and Lionel Messi comparison: 'I think it's too much pressure'

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·25 de novembro de 2025

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca on Estevao and Lionel Messi comparison: 'I think it's too much pressure'

Brazilian’s goal against Barcelona in Tuesday’s Champions League clash drew comparisons with the legendary Argentine

Enzo Maresca has said it is too early to draw comparisons between Estevao and Lionel Messi after the Brazilian’s goal helped Chelsea to a 3-0 victory over 10-man Barcelona at Stamford Bridge.

Vídeos OneFootball

The build-up to Chelsea’s Champions League showdown with Barcelona had been dominated by the battle of the two prodigal teenage talents, Estevao and Lamine Yamal.

But on a remarkable night for the Blues, who secured their biggest win over Barcelona in the Champions League, it was Estevao who came to the fore, netting Chelsea’s second with a weaving run and finish 10 minutes into the second half.

The 18-year-old’s goal capped a coming-of-age performance, but Maresca said it was important for the young winger to stay grounded when asked whether his finish had shades of Messi about it.

“No, the goal from Estevao reminded me of the goal he scored against us in the Club World Cup, that is very similar, same action,” Maresca said in his post-match press conference.

“Estevao needs to relax, he needs to enjoy, he needs to session, he needs to play football.

“Him, Lamine, they are so young, with 18, that if you start to talk about Messi, Ronaldo, I think it's too much pressure for a young boy like them, 18, they need to enjoy, they need to arrive at the training ground, happy, session, but when you start to compare them with Messi or with Ronaldo, I think it's too much for them.”

Maresca has so far tried to protect Estevao, who has started just four Premier League games for the Blues this season.

Asked whether his performances would make it more difficult for him not to be considered a regular starter going forward, Maresca was adamant that his side’s strength in depth meant he did not need to rush the young winger’s development.

“No, to be honest. Because if he doesn't play, Pedro Neto plays wide in his position. And Pedro is good. And we are happy with Pedro. We try just to defend the game plan, we use 11 players,” Maresca continued.

“Tonight we decided, probably in the most difficult game of the season, we decided to play with Estevao. So I'm not a manager that I don't allow players to play minutes.

“It's just the game plan. The game plan always decides the first 11. It's the reason why we changed so much. And you say that we are unpredictable. But it's the game plan. The game plan defines the first 11.

“Now the next one is Arsenal. The game plan is not always good, sometimes it's also wrong. It defines the first 11. And Estevao, when the game plan is for him, he's going to play. And for sure he's going to play many games because he's very good.”