Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has addressed fan criticism after deciding not to start Estevao in the Blues’ 3-0 Premier League victory against Wolves at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Maresca: Estevao Will Start Games ‘Slowly, Slowly’ Despite £100m Valuation
Supporters were vocal on social media before the match, questioning Maresca’s choice to bench the 18-year-old winger following his impressive man-of-the-match performance against Qarabag in the Champions League earlier in the week.
Estevao entered the game in the 64th minute, shortly after Malo Gusto’s opener, and made an instant impact by setting up Joao Pedro’s goal.
Pedro Neto later sealed the win, helping Chelsea climb to second place in the Premier League, six points behind leaders Arsenal.
After the match, Maresca was asked about reports claiming a data company had already valued Estevao at £100 million.
The Chelsea boss agreed that such a valuation reflected the youngster’s immense potential.
“You can see that, absolutely,” Maresca said as per reported by Metro.co.uk.
“His talent is top. We’re helping him adapt and giving him the right minutes.
He’s doing fantastic and will be a top player for this club in the next five or ten years.”
Maresca admitted that managing the growing excitement around Estevao is not easy.
“Of course, fans want to see players like Estevao and Cole Palmer because they make people happy,” he explained.
“But Estevao has just arrived from Brazil and still needs time to adapt.”
The Italian coach added that the teenager will gradually get more starts as he continues to settle.
“Slowly, slowly, he’s going to start games for us,” Maresca confirmed.
“When he came on, the energy lifted because fans love that kind of player.
We’re happy he can help the team and make the supporters enjoy our football.”
Chelsea’s victory keeps their title hopes alive as they continue to chase Arsenal at the top of the table.
