Chelsea striker Liam Delap sung the praises of a Stamford Bridge teenager after the 3-0 rout of Barcelona, describing him as “so raw” but “so exciting”.
Blues breeze to victory against Barcelona in the Champions League
The Blues made a major statement by defeating Barca 3-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday evening, leaving goalkeeper Robert Sanchez optimistic they can go all the way and win Europe’s elite competition for the third time.
Delap scored his first goal since making the move to Stamford Bridge from Ipswich Town in the summer, capping off what was a fantastic all-round display against the reigning La Liga champions, and the centre-forward was left impressed by how they executed the game plan.
The Englishman could be in line for a start on Sunday, courtesy of scoring after replacing Alejandro Garnacho in the second half, potentially alongside Estevao, who bagged the second goal in the 3-0 victory.
Indeed, the 11-cap Brazil international once again caught the eye, also creating one big chance, making three key passes and completing two successful dribbles.
Speaking after the game, Delap took the time to praise his teammate, who has now established himself as a key player for the Blues.
Estevao draws Messi comparisons after remarkable solo goal
It would be fair to say Enzo Maresca was also left very impressed with the Brazilian’s performance, taking the time to praise his fantastic solo goal, saying: “The goal Estevao scored reminded me of the one [Lionel Messi] scored against us in the Club World Cup. It’s very similar, the same action.”
With Sanchez of the belief Chelsea are the favourites to win the Champions League this season, the 18-year-old could be key to their success, having already scored three goals in the competition, which is more than any of his teammates.
Not only has the starlet been impressing at club level, but he has also continued to impress for Brazil, having scored four goals in his last four matches, which bodes well for the Seleção Canarinho as we edge closer to the 2026 World Cup.
Chelsea have already signed another exciting star who's "just like Estevao"
Chelsea have already signed another youngster who could become another Esteva for Enzo Maresca.
ByJack Salveson Holmes
Perhaps Chelsea’s toughest game so far this season is penciled in for this weekend, as they take on Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, but if Estevao is firing on all cylinders, Maresca’s side certainly stand a chance of defeating their London rivals and closing the gap at the top of the Premier League table to just three points.