Chelsea Boss Maresca: Estevao Not Yet Ready to Replace Palmer in Central Role
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has admitted that 18-year-old summer signing Estevao Willian is not yet physically ready to take on the central attacking duties left vacant by Cole Palmer’s injury.
Estevao has already shown glimpses of his potential—becoming the youngest player to register a Premier League assist for the Blues—but Maresca stressed that his adaptation must be managed carefully.
“He has the talent, but playing in the middle requires a different level of physical readiness,” Maresca explained, drawing parallels with Palmer’s own gradual development earlier in his career.
Chelsea are currently dealing with a selection crisis, with Palmer sidelined by a groin problem and several other injuries limiting options in attack. As a result, Maresca and his coaching staff are weighing up tactical adjustments to maintain attacking balance while easing Estevao’s progression.
The club remains confident that Estevao will grow into a key figure in the future, but for now, his role will continue to be carefully managed as Chelsea navigate a challenging run of fixtures.
