Enzo Maresca has downplayed comparisons between teenage wingers Estevao and Lamine Yamal ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League meeting with Barcelona on Tuesday.
Estevao, 18, has impressed since joining Chelsea in July, scoring nine goals for club and country. During Monday’s pre-match press conference, Maresca was asked whether Spain’s Yamal — who is three months younger — should be considered a model for the Brazilian.
But the Chelsea manager said Estevao is already performing at an elite level despite his youth.
“Estevao is already playing at a high level; he’s already starting for Brazil,” Maresca told reporters. “Of course, he’s very young and has many areas to improve, but we’re very happy with him.
“It’s enjoyable for football fans to watch players like Estevao, Lamine Yamal and Pedri. That’s the beauty of the game.”
Maresca stressed that the young winger must block out external comparisons.
“He’s going to be an important player for this club, no doubt about the future,” he said. “He just needs to be happy and avoid thinking about being better than this or that player.
“He only has to focus on being better than himself every day — work hard and keep improving.”
The Italian also provided an update on Cole Palmer, who is recovering from a toe injury. Although the forward is progressing well, Maresca said he is unlikely to feature against Barcelona or Arsenal this weekend.
“Cole is wearing a protective boot,” he said. “We don’t know exactly when he’ll be back, but it won’t be long. He’s already on the pitch, touching the ball, and feeling good.”
Barcelona sit 11th in the league phase of the Champions League with seven points from four matches — the same tally as Chelsea.
Maresca added that Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona side, twice European champions under the now Manchester City boss between 2008 and 2012, shaped his own football philosophy.
“I decided to become a manager because of Pep’s Barcelona,” he said.
“Clubs can choose their own style, and that’s fine. I chose mine years ago, and it’s the way I want my teams to play now and in the future.”
