Enzo Maresca opted against starting Estevao Willian in Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Benfica on Tuesday.
Many Chelsea supporters would have wanted him to, especially with Cole Palmer sidelined following a groin injury.
Instead, Maresca went with a frontline of Pedro Neto, Facundo Buonanotte, Alejandro Garnacho and Tyrique George.
Buonanotte played in the No.10 role in Palmer’s absence, but going forward, it would be great if Estevao got some opportunities there.
Enzo Maresca should play Estevao Willian as a No.10 after Chelsea promise
Buonanotte is only a loan signing from Brighton & Hove Albion; he may not even be at the club next season.
The 20-year-old has not really taken his chance either. While Buonanotte was able to score in Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup, he did very little against Brentford and Benfica.
In contrast to Buonanotte, who may only be at Stamford Bridge for a year, Estevao is Chelsea’s future. The Brazilian should be starting ahead of his teammate in the No.10 position, a role the club promised he would get opportunities to play in.
When Estevao’s agent spoke about his Chelsea transfer in March, he said: “It was the only club that saw us as number 10, to play in midfield. I may be wrong, but we will have the opportunity. I think we will be right, so that was also something that weighed heavily.”
Estevao is not the finished article. He needs to work on his final ball and finishing, for example. But the Brazil international looked way more dangerous on the pitch on Tuesday night than Buonanotte.
As per Sofascore, Estevao completed all three of the dribbles he attempted. With some more coaching and fine-tuning at Cobham, he has the potential to fill in for Palmer when the Englishman is missing.
What Enzo Maresca said about Estevao Willian in build-up to Benfica game
While Maresca may perhaps not trust Estevao in the attacking midfielder position at the moment, the Chelsea boss is still happy with the former Palmeiras star.
Maresca spoke about Estevao in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Benfica game and said: “He is doing very well. We have already said it’s not easy to come to Europe at 18 years old at a big club like Chelsea and show immediately the quality he has. We are very happy with him.”
With Palmer still out injured, it will be interesting to see what the Italian does against Liverpool. Given the strength of Arne Slot’s side, both men could be left on the bench.
As he has done in big games in the past, Maresca could push Enzo Fernandez further forward, while Romeo Lavia joins Moises Caicedo in midfield.
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