Enzo Maresca compares the rivalry between Estevao Willian and Yamal to Ronaldo vs Messi in a recent statement. What he said
Following Chelsea’s dismantling of Barcelona in the Champions League, the Messi/Ronaldo comparison was put to Enzo Maresca in the wake of Estevao and Lamine Yamal’s first battle.
It was the Chelsea man who drew first blood in what is sure to be a storied rivalry between two extremely talented 18-year-olds.
Chelsea dominated Barcelona, and Estevao bested Yamal with a wondergoal. Stamford Bridge erupted when the Brazilian’s mazy run ended with the ball smacking into the roof of the net.
After the game, Maresca gave a cheery press conference, where suggestions were made about what this rivalry could evolve into in the coming years.
Enzo Maresca not willing to go there with Estevao and Yamal
Football fans love a good narrative, and the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo provided years of entertainment, with each chapter outdoing the last.
Those two are in their own league in terms of all-time footballing talents, but you can forgive the temptation to imagine a modern version of their battles unfolding with Estevao and Yamal.
Maresca urges patience, responding: “Estevao needs to relax, enjoy his football. Him and Lamine, if you start to talk about Messi and Ronaldo, it’s too much pressure for young boys like them. It’s too much for them.”
The Barca star didn’t show up tonight. Marc Cucurella completely shut Yamal down, earning the Player of the Match award for his efforts.
Who was your Player of the Match vs Barcelona?
Chelsea fans have been quick to place Estevao over Yamal, but one performance won’t settle this debate. It will rage on for years to come.
Maresca is right. It’s far too early to be bringing those names into the conversation.
One thing is for certain, though. Estevao has shown the world he is ready to be discussed in the same breath as his Spanish counterpart.
A different kind of rivalry could be in store
One thing that makes the Messi/Ronaldo debate so tantalisingly sweet is that they are complete opposites in terms of stature and style of play.
That’s why taste can sway a person one way or the other.
The highlights from Chelsea’s dominant victory over Barcelona!
With Estevao and Yamal, the similarities are incredibly striking.
Aside from being born just three months apart, the two are left-footed right-wingers with silky smooth dribbling, bundles of flair, and an eye for goal that’s quite astounding for their age.
Chelsea plan to convert Estevao to a number 10, which is something Barcelona could look to replicate as well.
There’s no saying either star will ascend to those Messi/Ronaldo levels — no one else has — but the comparison of the two has the potential to be just as intriguing.
