Chelsea suffered Champions League disappointment against Qarabag on Wednesday, but Reece James and Enzo Maresca have been quick to praise one player after the match.
Maresca made some big changes to his team for the meeting in Azerbaijan on November 5.
Still, the Blues were favourites for the fixture, facing off against a Qarabag team who have traditionally struggled against English teams.
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Despite this, the fixture ended 2-2, and Chelsea fans were not happy with several Maresca decisions.
While it was a sobering night for the Italian and his team, there was one positive coming out of the fixture.
Reece James during Qarabag FK v Chelsea FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Reece James and Enzo Maresca praise Estevao after Chelsea draw with Qarabag
Alejandro Garnacho rescued a point for Chelsea with his second goal in three games for the West London outfit.
Meanwhile, Estevao scored the opening goal of the clash, and when all was said and done, he was named the Man of the Match.
Following the fixture, both Maresca and Chelsea defender Reece James have praised the Brazilian.
The Italian coach called the 18-year-old sensation a ‘huge player’.
Meanwhile, James stated: “He has got the world at his feet.”
💫Maresca on Estevao: "He is a huge player."
Reece James also said: "He has got the world at his feet."
Man of the match today against Qarabag. pic.twitter.com/R3KfTFolwP
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) November 5, 2025
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John Terry and Paul Scholes’ verdicts on Estevao
Since arriving from Palmeiras over the summer, the teenager has caught the eye of many a big name, including John Terry.
Terry thinks Estevao is showing glimpses of quality and is hopeful his current form will continue.
He said in October: “He’s shown glimpses of being a superb player for us and hopefully that form continues as well.”
Elsewhere, Man Utd legend Paul Scholes has compared Estevao to Eden Hazard.
So far, the Brazilian has four goals and one assist in 15 matches across all competitions for Chelsea.