Maresca Declares Chelsea Star Cole Palmer Worth Staggering £100 Million
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca highlighted Estêvão's impact as the driving force behind his team's triumph against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday evening, comparing the summer signing to Cole Palmer while delivering effusive praise.
Estêvão began the Premier League match as a substitute, maintaining his pattern of bench starts in every league game since September. At just 18 years old and adjusting to new surroundings, culture, and team for the first time in his developing career, Maresca has chosen a measured approach with the Brazilian talent.
However, the limited chances Estêvão has received have showcased his undeniable brilliance. The ex-Palmeiras attacker proved decisive once more against Wolves. Just one minute after entering the game—welcomed by thunderous applause from the Stamford Bridge faithful—Estêvão weaved to the touchline and delivered a precise cross into the penalty area, setting up João Pedro to put Chelsea ahead 2-0.
The goal scorer ensured recognition for his teammate's contribution by gesturing toward his fellow Brazilian.
"His performances are exceptional. For this organization, over the coming 5-10 years, he'll develop into an elite player," Maresca enthused after the match. "Supporters purchase tickets to witness talents like Estêvão and Cole [Palmer]. Fans light up when these players take the field. The only distinction is Estêvão's arrival from Brazil requires some adjustment time."
Recent research from the CIES Football Observatory assessed Estêvão's worth at €118.1 million (£103.8 million, $136.6 million), positioning him as the world's second-most valuable teenager after Barcelona's Lamine Yamal.
Maresca fully endorsed this assessment. "That valuation is completely accurate," the Italian coach stated regarding a player Chelsea acquired for just €45 million this summer. "He possesses exceptional quality and natural ability. We're focused on supporting his adaptation while providing appropriate playing time."
Remaining cautious about excessive expectations, Maresca cautioned: "Gradually, he'll certainly become crucial for our future. When Estêvão entered the match, the atmosphere intensified. Supporters are drawn to players of his caliber. We're pleased he can contribute to both the team and fan enjoyment."
Maresca Addresses Chelsea Fan Frustration
Chelsea supporters expressed clear frustration throughout Saturday's encounter as they watched their squad struggle for 51 minutes to break through against a Wolves team sitting at the bottom of the Premier League standings. Vocal disapproval echoed around the stadium as the first half concluded scoreless.
"This fixture concerned me greatly beforehand, as these represent the most challenging matches—deceptively difficult encounters," Maresca admitted. "Everyone assumes victory will come easily.
"I understand the first-half disappointment among supporters, likely due to our failure to score—not our overall display."
Chelsea had accumulated 11 attempts while preventing their visitors from registering a single threatening shot during the opening 45 minutes. Despite the vocal criticism, Maresca remained confident. "Honestly, I felt extremely satisfied at the interval," he subsequently disclosed. "The distinction between halves was simply converting our opportunities.
"When you prevent any opposition threats while creating multiple scoring chances, clinical finishing becomes essential. We've emphasized this repeatedly—otherwise matches remain unpredictable with any outcome possible.
"Fortunately, we found the net in the second period." Once more, thanks to Estêvão's influence.