Estevao and Lamine Yamal could be the next Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo if they are allowed to enjoy their football, believes Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.
Estevao scored a fine goal as Chelsea beat 10-man Barcelona 3-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday, driving into the penalty area from the right wing before blasting home.
At the age of 18 years and 215 days, the Brazilian is the third teenager to score on each of his first three Champions League starts, after Kylian Mbappe (18 years, 113 days) and Erling Haaland (19 years, 107 days).
Estevao also created a game-high three chances and attempted five dribbles – a joint-high tally among Chelsea players alongside Pedro Neto.
Lamine Yamal attempted twice as many for Barca, but the Spaniard's influence was limited after Ronald Araujo was dismissed for two bookable offences and he was substituted late on.
Speaking to BeIN Sports after full-time, Maresca talked up the prospects of Estevao and Yamal enjoying an iconic rivalry, though he warned Chelsea and Barca must still show them patience as they develop.
"As Raphinha said, probably in the next 10, 15 years, Estevao and Lamine Yamal are probably going to be the next Messi and Ronaldo," he said.
"But for both, they are 18. They need to enjoy it, to try to improve every day. This is the most important thing for them."
Before joining Chelsea in a pre-arranged move, Estevao scored against the Blues while playing for Palmeiras in the Club World Cup quarter-finals, with another powerful finish from wide of the right post.
"The goal Estevao scored reminded me of the one he scored against us in the Club World Cup. It's very similar, the same action," Maresca recalled.
"He needs to relax. He needs to enjoy his football; he needs to play football.
"Him and Lamine are such young boys at 18, if you start to talk about Ronaldo and Messi, that's too much pressure for young boys like them.
"They need to arrive at the training ground happy for sessions, but when you start to compare them with those two, it could be too much for them."
PrimeGeorge07
0
Hahahahahaha. Joke of the day.
As far as they’re both not from your club it’s always a no no from Madrid fans. Never see anything good coming out from other clubs. Hitla’s mindset.
joabcmpsuy
0
U r foolish
u too
RealMadridTom79
1
Hahahahahaha. Joke of the day.
Yohabi1
0
If they compare you to anybody, it means you'll never be as good.
zaucnorsty
0
U de mad
if real Madrid sing estevao I sure Barcelona will never win champions league games only win sometimes laliga
AFerusmc6546
0
but yamal no chance to b grt player.... he's selfish.....
U r foolish
AFerusmc6546
0
estevao is far better than yamal
U de mad
supacklny
0
hold your tongue bro
Domadklmtu
3
We miss also
zaucnorsty
2
estevao is far better than yamal
joabcmpsuy
1
he'll nvr b a grt player bcz of his show off bad attitude 1st disrespect didn't shake hand with CR7 2nd disrespect real Madrid n lost....
joabcmpsuy
0
yamal hahaha no chance cz he dnt knw wht is repect
but yamal no chance to b grt player.... he's selfish.....
GaddafiJamal
0
yamal hahaha no chance cz he dnt knw wht is repect
Senseless Being 🤧🤮
GaddafiJamal
3
The Next Messi & Ronaldo Is Already On Between Haaland & Mbappe 🤌💯 These 2 Are Just Kids, Let Them Breath 🙄🤣
D1-ng
0
tell maresca to calm down it's just one win over Barcelona, he not compare the the legends of the game
have read the content to know if he actually said it and what he was saying? dnt just follow the headings from football media writeup, sometimes they mislead u just to make u click
Fohbcilntu
1
yamal hahaha no chance cz he dnt knw wht is repect
Does Ronaldo respect people? He (Ronaldo) always says he is better than everyone who as ever played this game. Tell me how is that respectful?
Wizprince11
0
have maresca watch Lennart Karl
wowadrsyz
0
tell maresca to calm down it's just one win over Barcelona, he not compare the the legends of the game
joabcmpsuy
0
yamal hahaha no chance cz he dnt knw wht is repect
Vahbcdeikl
0
Laugh at them
JaafaribrahimBio
1
Abraham e
why Abraham
Tawbcemou
2
Abraham e