Chelsea’s exciting teenage signing Estevão has sent a strong message to his future manager, Enzo Maresca, declaring that he is prepared to feature in any position for the club once his move to Stamford Bridge is completed in 2025.
The 17-year-old Palmeiras star, who will officially join the London club after turning 18, is unfazed by positional assignments and insists that earning game time is what truly matters to him.
Speaking to The Athletic, Estevão emphasized his flexibility and team-first mentality. “For me, the most important thing is playing,” he said.
“The position doesn’t matter. I can play inside, as a No.10, or on the wing. The collective is the most important thing. I’m always available to the coach, ready to help in whatever way I can.”
This mindset will no doubt please Maresca, who is set to rebuild Chelsea with an emphasis on versatility and tactical flexibility.
The Italian manager enjoys working with players who can fill multiple roles across the attacking line, and Estevão appears eager to embrace that challenge.
Nicknamed “Messinho” in Brazil due to his nimble left foot and mesmerizing dribbling style that draws comparisons to Lionel Messi, Estevão has already gained a reputation as one of South America’s most exciting young talents.
Despite his age, he has logged 15 senior appearances for Palmeiras this year, registering an impressive 4 goals and 6 assists.
Throughout those performances, he has showcased incredible close control, quick decision-making, and a fearless desire to take on defenders one-on-one.
His performances for Palmeiras this season have demonstrated his ability to excel across multiple areas of attack.
Though most of his games have been played on the right wing, the teenager has also shown comfort when drifting into central positions as a playmaker or moving to the left flank.
This adaptability is one of the major reasons Chelsea paid approximately £51 million to lock in his signing early, beating out a host of top European clubs who were also tracking his progress.
Maresca is known for utilizing a fluid style of play in the final third, encouraging positional rotation among his forwards. That style looks set to suit Estevão perfectly.
His quick feet, sharp passing, and high dribbling success rate — 2.3 successful dribbles per game — will offer Chelsea a versatile new option.
In addition, his creativity is evident in his 1.7 key passes per game, while his strong pass completion rate of 84% is remarkable for someone so young.
When he arrives at Stamford Bridge in 2025, Estevão will face stiff competition for places, joining a forward line that already features talents like Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke.
However, with his confidence, team-first attitude, and flair for unlocking defenses, Chelsea’s future looks even more exciting.
Despite the mounting attention and pressure, the Brazilian teenager stays grounded and determined to improve. “The collective is the most important thing,” Estevão reiterates. That humility and commitment to the team will serve him well as he prepares to take his next big career step at Chelsea under Maresca’s guidance.
