“Because of him…” – Enzo Maresca criticises Estevao despite MOTM performance

Chelsea’s 5-1 demolition of West Ham at Stamford Bridge will be remembered for many reasons, but at the heart of it was the dazzling full debut of 18-year-old Brazilian prodigy Estevao Willian. Thrown into the starting XI after Cole Palmer’s late injury in the warm-up, the teenager seized the spotlight in stunning fashion.

Despite his inexperience, Estevao looked as though he had been playing Premier League football for years. Confident on the ball, sharp in his dribbling, and fearless in taking on defenders, he earned the Man of the Match award from Sky Sports. Former goalkeeper Rob Green, on commentary, described him as a player who wore the shirt as though “it weighed nothing.”

This performance was the dream start every young footballer longs for. To come into a game of such intensity and deliver on the biggest stage says a lot about Estevao’s mentality and talent. Yet, amid the praise and applause, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca made sure to offer a dose of realism.

Speaking to the press after the game, Maresca admitted he was impressed with Estevao’s debut but could not overlook a costly error. In the buildup to West Ham’s only goal of the evening, Estevao attempted an unnecessary flick deep in his own half. That moment of flair backfired, leading directly to Chelsea conceding.

“We concede the goal because of him,” Maresca said candidly. “He lost the ball in the build-up. He needs to make mistakes to learn, but overall he impressed.” His tone, while laced with a hint of humor, carried a serious message — that even the brightest talents must respect the fundamentals of the game.

For Chelsea fans, Maresca’s honesty is refreshing. Rather than shielding the youngster with empty praise, he has set the bar high, ensuring Estevao develops not only as a showman but also as a responsible team player. The Italian coach’s approach mirrors his reputation: demanding, detail-oriented, but also supportive of young talent.

Estevao’s rapid rise has taken even the Chelsea faithful by surprise. Many expected the Brazilian to be eased into life in England, making cameo appearances from the bench while adjusting to the physicality of the league. Instead, two games into the season, he already has a substitute cameo and a Man of the Match starting performance under his belt.

That kind of immediate impact is rare. Few players his age are capable of blending entertainment with effectiveness at the elite level. While his flick gone wrong served as a painful reminder of the risks of overconfidence, it also showed the boldness that makes him such a thrilling prospect.

Maresca’s criticism should not be mistaken for disapproval. On the contrary, it is clear the Chelsea manager sees Estevao as a player worth molding into something greater. In fact, by pointing out his mistake alongside his brilliance, he has ensured that the young Brazilian understands that growth comes from balance — flair combined with discipline.

The Stamford Bridge crowd, meanwhile, already seems enchanted. Every touch of the ball from Estevao was met with excitement, and his ability to glide past defenders drew comparisons to Chelsea’s past Brazilian icons. While it is far too early for such lofty parallels, the signs are encouraging.

For now, Estevao’s debut has set the tone for what promises to be an electrifying season. Chelsea fans can expect mistakes — as Maresca himself hinted — but they will likely be accompanied by flashes of magic that justify the hype surrounding his signing. If this is just the beginning, the Premier League may be about to witness the rise of another South American superstar.