Enzo Maresca can see some similarities between Chelsea duo Cole Palmer and Estevao Willian.
For example, when Maresca discussed Palmer and Estevao earlier this month, he spoke about how both players can start out wide before moving more centrally.
However, that is not the only similarity that Maresca has picked up on after working with the two attackers.
The Chelsea manager needs Estevao and the Blues’ other offensive players to really step up in Palmer’s absence. Palmer is still out injured with a groin issue and set to miss a whole host of fixtures.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca hugging Estevao Willian
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Estevao is only 18 years of age, but the Brazilian is already showing a lot of maturity, according to Maresca.
In fact, the 45-year-old has claimed that his level of maturity is very similar to Palmer’s, with the former Manchester City man not too old himself.
In a recent interview with sky sport, Maresca said: “Yes, he’s a very young player, born in 2007, and he’s just turned 18. He arrived with his family, and we did everything we could to make him feel at ease. The club was good, but the truth is that he’s a strong player.”
“He reminds me a lot of Cole Palmer, even physically. He has the same footballing maturity despite his age.”
Estevao is not just bringing maturity to the pitch, though. He is also bringing a real threat to Chelsea’s attack.
The winger has already managed to register a couple of goal contributions in the Premier League this season, including a match-winning strike against champions Liverpool.
Maresca must be delighted to have the Brazil international in his squad, especially with Palmer currently out injured.
Cole Palmer celebrates with Estevao Willian after Chelsea v Liverpool - Premier League
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
How Joao Pedro has described Estevao Willian
Maresca is, understandably, not the only person at Chelsea who appreciates Estevao
Chelsea and Brazil teammate Joao Pedro is also a fan. Pedro was asked to describe Estevao with one word recently and went for “flair”.
Despite it still being early days, Chelsea supporters have already seen plenty of that from the former Palmeiras star.
Following his red card against Benfica, Stamford Bridge will not get to see Pedro on Wednesday when Chelsea take on Ajax in the Champions League. However, Estevao could get a start after being left on the bench for Saturday’s win over Nottingham Forest.