Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca praised young Brazilian Estêvão after his impressive debut as a starter in the 5-1 victory over West Ham United. Estêvão entered the starting eleven as a late replacement for Cole Palmer, who felt discomfort in his groin during the warm-up. This was his first start in the Premier League, after having debuted as a substitute in the 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace the previous week.
Estão: A remarkable debut
The winger assisted his team’s third goal, after receiving a pass from Liam Delap and sending in a cross for Enzo Fernández to score. At 18 years and 120 days old, he became the youngest player in Chelsea’s history to assist a goal in the Premier League. His performance was even more remarkable after losing the ball, which allowed West Ham’s Lucas Paquetá to score a goal in the fifth minute.“We conceded the goal because of him. He lost the ball in the play. He needs to make mistakes to learn. But overall, the performance was very good.
Enzo Maresca
“[His reaction] demonstrates how good he is. It’s the reason he’s here with us.”
Enzo Maresca
After two heavy defeats at the start of the season, there were boos at half-time and at the end of the match for West Ham and their coach Graham Potter. West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen said he was “furious” about the performance and the result.“Very happy, very impressed, especially because we didn’t start the right way. Cole’s injury, conceding the goal after five minutes. But the reaction was very good.”
Enzo Maresca
