Estevao Willian explains what his relationship is like with Enzo Maresca at Chelsea

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There has been so much excitement and anticipation around Estevao Willian’s debut season at Chelsea, so the importance of Enzo Maresca’s role as the head coach can’t be overstated.

Estevao Willian, 18, has made a bright start at Stamford Bridge with some eye-catching performances for his new club. However, he properly introduced himself to the rest of the Premier League with his winning goal against Liverpool before the international break.

So far in the 2025-26 season, Estevao ranks as the Premier League’s best Under-21 player, scoring one goal and creating one assist in six top-flight appearances. We’re confident that those numbers will shoot up over time, too.

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Estevao Willian hails Enzo Maresca impact

According to Estevao, he’s already built an “incredible relationship” with Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.

In an interview with Brazilian publication Globo, Estevao said: “Maresca makes a point of speaking Spanish with me. To understand me, to comprehend me. I think that’s really nice of him. And I listen to what he’s going through.

“I think he’s an incredible person, a human being, and a coach. I have no complaints about him. He makes a point of talking to me all the time. To get the best out of me. So I can give my best on the field. So, the relationship I have with him is incredible.”

Earlier this month, Maresca confirmed Estevao to Cole Palmer by saying he’s like a younger version of him.

The job that Maresca has done at Chelsea in just over 15 months deserves huge credit. In particular, it looks from the outside that he’s built a solid bond with the players inside the dressing room.

Estevao Willian needs to be properly unleashed after international break

At the moment, Estevao is currently with Brazil’s squad for two friendly matches. Afterwards, Chelsea play seven games across all competitions before another pause for November’s international break.

Despite Estevao’s eye-catching performances so far, he’s still yet to complete a full 90 minutes for the Blues.

In fairness, Maresca has been sensible with introducing the teenage rising star to his squad. It feels like he’s ready for a bigger role and to become a key figure on a weekly basis, though.

Moises Caicedo claims Estevao has excelled in training, so Chelsea supporters have probably only seen a glimpse of what he can really do.