Enzo Maresca has spoken about Estevao Willian in detail following Chelsea’s 5-1 win against Ajax on Wednesday.
Estevao scored Chelsea’s fourth goal of the night and put in an excellent performance overall.
It was the winger’s second goal in a Chelsea shirt following his match-winner against Liverpool prior to the international break.
Estevao started out wide at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, but Maresca has hinted that he could change his position going forward.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca giving out instructions
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Enzo Maresca could move Estevao Willian to No.10 position in Chelsea team
Since arriving at Chelsea in the summer, Estevao has mostly started on the right flank. However, Maresca can envision the 18-year-old playing as an attacking midfielder in the near future.
Speaking after the Blues’ latest Champions League victory, the Chelsea manager said: “Now Estevao is playing wide, but in the future, I think he’s more an inside player.”
🗣️ Enzo Maresca expects Estevao to become a ten as he builds up physicality. "He's polite, he's humble and he wants to learn. In the Premier League, he needs more time and he's probably a winger now.
"He's very similar to Cole [Palmer]. I had Cole at the same age at Manchester… pic.twitter.com/zWx2aXw3HF
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) October 22, 2025
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Estevao’s goal came after Enzo Fernandez handed him a penalty, which was Chelsea’s second of the night.
The Argentine took the team’s first one, converting to make the score 3-1 before Estevao and Tyrique George completed the scoring.
Marc Guiu grabbed Chelsea’s opener before Moises Caicedo doubled their lead. Wout Weghorst scored Ajax’s consolation goal.
John Heitinga knew Ajax were facing a strong side but was not helped by an early red card.
Estevao Willian during Chelsea vs Ajax
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Estevao Willian’s stats from Ajax win
Against Ajax, Estevao certainly showed that he has enough creativity to play in the No.10 role.
For example, the Brazilian was able to make two key passes. He also proved to be a big goal threat, registering three shots on target.
Estevao Willian’s numbers vs Ajax Total
Minutes 90
Goals 1
xG 1.66
Total shots 8
Shots on target 3
Touches 70
Key passes 2
Via Sofascore
Estevao is still only 18, but he has already looked like the complete attacker at times this season. If the former Palmeiras star fulfils his potential in west London, Chelsea will have a player who is quite similar to Neymar.
Next up for Chelsea is a Premier League fixture against Sunderland, who will have to come up with a plan to stop Estevao.
After playing the full 90 minutes on Wednesday, though, it would not be a shock if Pedro Neto came in for the Brazil international.