Regardless of this being his first season within the European elite, Estevao has managed to impress together with his efficiency at Chelsea. In reality, the younger Brazilian is already being in comparison with Lamine Yamal as one of many subsequent leaders of the brand new period of soccer. This rising rivalry is being likened to that of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Confronted with this stunning comparability, coach Enzo Maresca has shared his sincere opinion, making his level clear.
“Estevao must loosen up. He must take pleasure in, he wants [training] periods. He must play soccer. Him, Lamine, they’re so younger, 18, that when you begin to discuss Messi, [Cristiano] Ronaldo, I believe it’s an excessive amount of strain for younger boys like them. They should take pleasure in, arrive on the coaching floor, glad, session. Once you begin to examine with Messi or Ronaldo, I believe it’s an excessive amount of for them,” Enzo Maresca stated within the press convention after defeating Barcelona.
At simply 18 years previous, Estevao has already confirmed himself distinctive, matching a Champions League document held by Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. Since becoming a member of the Blues, he has appeared in 17 video games, netting 5 targets and offering one help. He has established himself as one in every of Chelsea‘s coach Maresca’s key gamers within the rotation throughout Cole Palmer’s absence. In doing so, he joins Lamine Yamal as a frontrunner of soccer’s new period, promising a charming rivalry.
Whereas Estevao and Lamine promise to ignite an excellent rivalry within the close to future, evaluating them to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t honest. These veterans have competed head-to-head as the best gamers of the season for over 14 years. Famend as the best rivalry in soccer historical past, any rivals might sound small compared. For that reason, it could possibly be detrimental to the Spaniard and the Brazilian to measure them towards these legends.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr and Lionel Messi of Inter Miami.
Estevao falls behind Lamine Yamal: Barcelona standout extends lead
Though Estevao has already confirmed himself as a standout participant at Chelsea, the Brazilian hasn’t but established himself because the workforce’s cornerstone, with Cole Palmer main the undertaking. At simply 18, Estevao is a daily in Coach Maresca’s rotation, however not an undisputed starter. This contrasts sharply with Lamine Yamal, who serves as Barcelona’s cornerstone and has solidified his position because the workforce’s clear offensive chief, holding a definite benefit over the younger Brazilian.
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On the similar age, Lamine is already in his third season and has performed 119 video games with Barcelona. Moreover, he has scored 31 targets and made 35 assists. Yamal has even secured his second consecutive Kopa Trophy and ranked second within the 2025 Ballon d’Or standings. Due to this fact, evaluating him to Estevao appears unfair, because the Brazilian is in his first elite season and nonetheless has a lot to show to match the Spaniard.
