Because of him…” – Enzo Maresca blames Estevao despite MOTM performance
Chelsea crushed West Ham 5-1 tonight in the Premier League, with Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian grabbing the spotlight.
With Cole Palmer pulling out injured during the warm-up, Maresca handed Estevao his first competitive start for Chelsea. The teenager didn’t waste the opportunity. Confident, sharp, and fearless, the 18-year-old winger dazzled from start to finish, earning the Man of the Match award from Sky Sports. Former Chelsea goalkeeper Rob Green summed it up perfectly on commentary, saying Estevao played as though “the shirt weighed nothing.”
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For most fans, it was a dream debut. But Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca wasn’t ready to give his new starlet a completely free pass. Asked about the youngster’s display.
However; Maresca made sure to highlight one costly error:
“We concede the goal because of him – he lost the ball in the build-up. He needs to make mistakes to learn, but overall he impressed.”
Chelsea coach may have said it with a smile, but his message was clear. In the Premier League, even a moment of brilliance can be undone by one lapse in concentration. Estevao will be reminded not to take risks deep in his own half, no matter how confident he feels on the ball.
Estevao’s bright Chelsea start
Many expected the teenager to be eased into the team, but fate had other plans. With Palmer sidelined, Estevao has now featured in both of Chelsea’s opening games — first as a substitute, and now as a starter.
Mistakes will happen, especially for a young attacking player adapting to the pace of English football. But Chelsea supporters will gladly accept the occasional error if it means watching Estevao light up Stamford Bridge with his skill, flair, and attacking intent.
Two matches in, and it’s already clear: Estevao Willian is here not just to fill in, but to make himself a key figure in Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea project.