Estevao's Last-Minute Winner Against Liverpool: A New Challenge for Enzo Maresca at Chelsea

Table of Contents

• Breakthrough Moment
• Chelsea's Anticipation
• Impact on the Team
• Balancing Act
• Looking Ahead

ESTEVAO’S remarkable goal against Liverpool has not only resulted in Enzo Maresca facing a touchline ban, but it has also created a significant challenge for him.

Chelsea has been eagerly awaiting their new star's moment to shine, and it arrived spectacularly with his strike in the 95th minute, securing a victory over the champions.

Estevao truly introduced himself to Chelsea fans with a stunning goal against Liverpool. The jury remains out on Garnacho, who joined from Manchester United this summer.

There has been a year of pent-up excitement surrounding the teenager’s arrival, both in the stands and behind the scenes.

In that moment, the dreams of supporters and sporting directors alike were fulfilled.

Often, an expensive young talent from South America can turn out to be a disappointment, failing to realize their potential.

However, from the very beginning, there has been a sense among the club—and in broader football circles—that the Blues truly have a special player in Estevao.

Even before his goal against the Reds, Estevao had shifted the momentum significantly in Chelsea’s favor, consistently troubling Arne Slot‘s defense.

Statistically, he is the most effective and dangerous winger for Chelsea this season.

Estevao surpasses Pedro, Neto, Alejandro Garnacho, and Jamie Gittens in goals and assists per 90 minutes, as well as in shots, shots on target, dribbles, and duels won.

So why not just throw him into the starting lineup and witness the magic consistently?

Maresca is navigating a delicate balance with his young talent from Brazil.

Estevao has started in Premier League matches this season—though he only lasted six minutes in one game after Robert Sanchez’s red card.

However, his most significant impact has come from the bench. Fans would love to see their new favorite starting, but is it the right approach?

One thing Chelsea certainly has is an abundance of players. Their significant spending means Maresca has numerous options available on the wings and in attack.

The Italian coach has stated that Estevao can fulfill any attacking role, but he must be cautious in how he utilizes the young player so early in his Premier League journey.

Many young talents arrive with impressive skills that rival top players, but can quickly lose their composure when challenged physically by seasoned midfielders early in a match.

Maresca is being careful not to expose his prized asset to excessive rough play too soon—keeping him away from the No10 role where he might face heavy tackling.

The teenager made a noticeable difference against the Reds, as did Jamie Gittens, who came on to challenge a weary defense already low on confidence after a shaky start to the season.

This is the perfect scenario to maintain his upward trajectory, and Neto’s encouraging performance this season—creating more chances per 90 minutes than any other Chelsea winger—means there is no rush for a change.

Especially with Estevao set to travel to Korea and Japan with Brazil before the international break.

This may raise concerns for Maresca, although Gittens’ contribution off the bench was promising.

Neither Gittens nor Garnacho has shown the same level of excitement as Estevao, but both are more capable of managing the pace of the Premier League over a full 90 minutes.

The longest time Estevao has played in a league match so far is 77 minutes, against a team that faltered at the first sign of trouble.

So while the anticipation and demand for Estevao to play every available minute continue to grow, Maresca must play the role of the cautious manager and keep him eager for more.

Gittens looked sharp when he was on the field against Liverpool, but he clearly needs to improve. Estevao is clearly enjoying his time in the Premier League, and he stands out as Chelsea’s best winger based on statistics.