Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca praised Estevao’s dazzling debut but admitted the youngster’s mistake gifted West Ham their only goal in the 5-1 win.

Chelsea produced a thrilling display at Stamford Bridge as they crushed West Ham 5-1, but the night also marked a special moment for their teenage sensation, Estevão Willian.

The Brazilian wonderkid, often compared to Neymar in style and flair, was unexpectedly handed his first Premier League start after Cole Palmer pulled out of the warm-up with an injury. And he seized the opportunity with both hands

At just 18 years old, Estevão played with maturity beyond his years, dazzling the crowd with his pace, quick feet, and confidence on the ball. His fearless approach earned him the Man of the Match award from Sky Sports, with pundit Rob Green summing it up perfectly: “He played like the shirt weighed nothing.”

It’s rare for a teenager making his debut to look so calm under pressure, but Estevão appeared unfazed by the stage or the occasion. Chelsea fans immediately warmed to his flair and work rate, cheering his every touch as he looked right at home in Maresca’s attacking system.

Maresca’s Honest Assessment

Despite the sparkling debut, manager Enzo Maresca refused to let the excitement completely overshadow a costly mistake the youngster made.

Speaking after the match, Maresca highlighted the error that led to West Ham’s only goal:

“We concede the goal because of him – he lost the ball in the build-up. He needs to make mistakes to learn, but overall he impressed.”

“We concede the goal because of him – he lost the ball in the build-up. He needs to make mistakes to learn, but overall he impressed.”

The Italian coach, who has been praised for his emphasis on discipline and structure, was quick to balance praise with constructive criticism. While his words might sound harsh, those close to the Chelsea camp say he delivered them with a smile, showing he believes Estevão will learn quickly.

In many ways, this tough-love approach may benefit the teenager in the long run. Chelsea have invested heavily in young talent, and Maresca seems determined to keep their feet on the ground while nurturing their potential.

A Star in the Making

For Chelsea supporters, Estevão’s early performances are hugely encouraging. Initially expected to be eased into the first-team setup, circumstances have fast-tracked his involvement. With Palmer’s injury opening the door, Estevão has now featured in both of Chelsea’s last two games—one as a substitute and one as a starter.

The numbers also underline his promise. Against West Ham, he registered:

3 successful dribbles, the most of any Chelsea player on the night.

2 key passes, showing his vision in attack.

88% passing accuracy, impressive for a forward who takes risks on the ball.

Those stats back up the eye test: Estevão doesn’t just bring flair—he has end product too.

Chelsea fans should expect more moments of brilliance and, inevitably, a few mistakes as Estevão adapts to English football. But that is the nature of developing young stars. For a player who was widely tipped as one of Brazil’s brightest prospects before his move to Stamford Bridge, this debut offered a glimpse of why the hype is justified.