Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca has urged caution against prematurely comparing young talents Estevao and Lamine Yamal to football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Following Estevao's standout performance in Chelsea's 3-0 Champions League victory over Barcelona on 25/11, Maresca emphasized that the two 18-year-olds should be allowed to develop without immense pressure.

The match at Stamford Bridge, part of Champions League matchday five, was anticipated as a showcase for both Estevao and Yamal. Estevao delivered a dazzling solo goal, extending Chelsea's lead to 2-0 and contributing to their decisive win. In contrast, Yamal's performance was subdued, particularly after Barcelona played the entire second half with ten men.

When asked after the match to draw parallels between Estevao, Yamal, and the iconic Messi and Ronaldo, Maresca responded with restraint. "Take it easy", he stated. "Both he and Yamal are just 18 years old. If we start comparing them to two legends like Ronaldo or Messi, that puts too much pressure on these young boys. Right now, they both need to come to the training ground with joy".

Estevao celebrates his goal in Chelsea's 3-0 victory over Barca on matchday five of the Champions League group stage at Stamford Bridge, London, England on 25/11. Photo: Chelsea FC

Estevao's impressive display included scoring three goals in the Champions League this season. He became the second-youngest player, after Kylian Mbappe, and the third teenager, following Mbappe and Erling Haaland, to score in his first three Champions League starts. Across all competitions this season, Chelsea's Brazilian newcomer has played 17 matches, scoring 5 goals, providing one assist, and creating 16 chances for his teammates.

Estevao described his goal against Barcelona, which involved dribbling past Pau Cubarsi before shooting, as "the most special moment" of his budding career. "I don't know how to describe the feeling", the Brazilian forward told Amazon Prime. "Tonight was perfect. I can only thank God for bringing everything to this point. I will strive to continue improving myself". He added that the goal was purely instinctive: "The situation happened so fast, I didn't even realize it. I found space, weaved through, and scored. A special moment, and I hope to score many more goals".

Lamine Yamal gained prominence more than two years ago with Barcelona and the Spain national team. Estevao, nicknamed "Little Messi" in his native Brazil, only truly became known last summer when he joined Chelsea in a transfer deal valued at 69 million USD, including a 40 million fixed fee.

Before the match, Maresca emphasized the need for both Estevao and Yamal to continue their learning process. "Perhaps in 10, 15 years, Estevao and Yamal could be the next Messi and Ronaldo", the Chelsea coach told BeIN Sports. "But they are both only 18 years old. They need to keep enjoying playing football, trying to improve every day; this is the most important thing".

Marc Cucurella, a teammate of both young stars at Chelsea and with the Spanish national team, suggested that Estevao faces more challenges as a newcomer to Europe compared to Yamal. "Yamal joined the first team at age 15, has won many titles, and a Euro, while Estevao has just arrived in Europe, so he might be a few years behind", Cucurella told Sky Sports. "But today he showed his personality and qualities. Estevao is special, and the Chelsea squad has good senior players in the dressing room, so we hope we can help him".

Yamal dribbles past Cucurella in Barca's 0-3 loss to Chelsea. Photo: FC Barcelona

According to CIES Football Observatory, Yamal and Estevao are currently rated as the two most valuable 18-year-old players in world football. Yamal is valued at 405 million USD, with Estevao following at 137 million USD.

Hoang Thong compiled