Estevao
Image credit: Getty Images
Former Manchester United and Chelsea defender Paul Parker has stirred controversy with his claim that Chelsea teenager Estevao is already a better option than Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka. The remarks, made in an interview with WhichBookie, have triggered heated debates among fans and pundits about England’s wing options and the next generation of attacking talent.
Parker, renowned for his tough playing style in the 1990s, questioned the acclaim surrounding Saka, who has been pivotal for both Arsenal and England.
“I just don’t get the hype around him. I really don’t understand it,” Parker said of the 24-year-old winger. “I wouldn’t take him over someone like Estevao at Chelsea. You’d rather take a chance on him because he’s got pace and, as a defender, you’re always worried about him getting in behind you.”
Explaining the difference between the two, Parker added: “As a defender, you want things to happen in front of you and that’s what Saka does by cutting inside, while Estevao is willing to go both ways to beat his man.”
Estevao, the highly rated 18-year-old Brazilian dubbed “Messinho” for his Messi-like style, arrived at Chelsea from Palmeiras earlier this year in a £29 million deal. Despite his age, he has already shown promise in the Premier League, registering an assist in his first three appearances.
Bukayo Saka (Image credit: Getty Images)
Parker also pointed to Arsenal’s summer signing Noni Madueke, acquired from Chelsea for £52 million—as another winger he considers superior to Saka.
“With the way he plays, I actually think he’s better than Bukayo Saka,” Parker said. “Saka doesn’t go on the outside, he doesn’t have a great change of pace and he doesn’t frighten defenders. Madueke does strike that fear into defenders because he wants to run at players and go past them.”
Madueke, 23, impressed in England’s 5-0 World Cup qualifying win over Serbia and is pushing for a starting role at Arsenal, especially with Saka sidelined by a hamstring injury. Parker admitted surprise that Chelsea allowed Madueke to leave, calling the transfer “strange.”
Beyond his technical critique, Parker also questioned Saka’s durability, comparing him to his former teammate Paul Ince: “The problem is that Saka is like a god to Arsenal fans. He knows he’s going to play every game. We used to call Paul Ince ‘The 11th hour’, because, like Saka, he’d always be out injured until just before the game, then he’d declare himself fit. That makes everyone say, ‘oh isn’t he brave.’ Saka is the same.”
Despite the criticism, Saka’s record speaks volumes. The winger has 71 goals and 71 assists for Arsenal and remains a central figure for Mikel Arteta’s side, who currently sit second in the Premier League after a strong start to the 2025/26 campaign.