Chelsea’s 18-year-old sensation Estêvão has opened up on Enzo Maresca’s coaching methods, explaining how the new manager is deliberately moving him across several attacking positions to broaden his tactical understanding. The Brazilian prodigy, who joined from Palmeiras, has already become a talking point in west London thanks to his versatility and maturity beyond his years.
Speaking while on duty with the Brazil national team, Estêvão described Maresca’s approach as one designed to push him out of his comfort zone. The teenager has featured both centrally and out wide in recent weeks, including a substitute appearance on the wing against [Liverpool] and a role through the middle in Chelsea’s most recent Champions League fixture.
“In Chelsea it’s been very frequent [changing positions],” Estêvão told reporters. “Maresca always tries to get the best out of me. Even in training he’s been putting me in different attacking roles so I can have more repertoire, more game awareness. In the last match against Liverpool I came on as a winger. And in the last Champions League game I played through the middle.”
A versatile weapon for Maresca’s system
Maresca’s philosophy has been built on fluid attacking patterns, positional interchange, and tactical intelligence. In Estêvão, he appears to have found a player capable of thriving under those demands. The youngster’s ability to adapt seamlessly across zones is already drawing praise from coaches and teammates, while his willingness to learn marks him out as one of the most exciting prospects in Europe.
“I’m open to various options on the pitch. Whatever position is available, I’ll do it, inside or out wide.” — Estêvão, speaking to Globo/press conference
Early signs of progress in Premier League and Europe
Estêvão has featured in nine matches this season across all competitions, scoring once and providing one assist in 341 minutes of action. While the numbers are modest, they reflect his adaptation phase in a new country and league. His game time has been carefully managed, but the trajectory is clear: Maresca sees him as a player who can slot into multiple positions and eventually become a regular starter.
Stats snapshot – Estêvão 2025/26
| Stat (2025/26) | Estêvão |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 9 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Minutes Played | 341 |
source: sofascore match data – 8 October 2025
These figures underline the fact that while Estêvão is not yet a guaranteed starter, his productivity per minutes played is promising. His influence is steadily increasing as Maresca integrates him more fully into Chelsea’s plans.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William sees Maresca’s treatment of Estêvão as part of a deliberate long-term plan:
“Maresca has always valued versatility in attacking players. By exposing Estêvão to different roles early in his Chelsea career, he’s building a more complete footballer who can thrive in England’s tactical intensity. The kid’s openness to learn is key — and it’s why he already looks at home at Stamford Bridge despite his age.”
The analyst also pointed out that Estêvão’s international involvement with Brazil further accelerates his development, as working with Carlo Ancelotti’s squad provides valuable experience alongside elite players.
Key Insights
- Estêvão says Maresca is testing him in multiple attacking positions.
- The 18-year-old has already played both centrally and on the wing for Chelsea.
- He has featured in nine games this season, scoring once and assisting once.
- Maresca’s system demands flexibility and tactical intelligence, which suits Estêvão.
- The youngster is now also a regular presence in Brazil’s senior squad.
What’s Next for Estêvão and Chelsea?
Estêvão’s immediate focus will be to continue his steady adaptation in the Premier League. With Chelsea juggling Champions League commitments and a busy domestic schedule, his ability to play in different roles ensures he will remain a valuable option for Maresca.
Looking further ahead, Chelsea fans will be eager to see him evolve into a consistent attacking threat. If he continues to embrace the challenges set by Maresca, Estêvão could soon emerge as one of the defining young talents of this new Chelsea era.
👉 Do you think Estêvão’s versatility will make him Chelsea’s next big star, or should Maresca focus on one position to maximise his talent?
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