"Cole Palmer, normally the creative heartbeat of this side, could only watch from the sidelines, nursing a stubborn groin injury. Yet as the final whistle blew, the England international was among the first on the pitch - cutting through the blue haze in a striking green coat - to embrace Estevao. The 18-year-old Brazilian had just delivered the defining moment of the match, stepping into Palmer's void with flair and fearlessness."
"Estevao's path to that instant has been carefully managed. Signed from Palmeiras for £29 million plus £15 million in potential add-ons, the teenager arrived in London amid great expectations. Still, Maresca and his staff have chosen caution, shielding him from excessive exposure while ensuring his adaptation to England's pace and culture. "A young player can suffer when he moves from another country," assistant coach Willy Caballero noted."
Chelsea secured a late 2-1 win over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge with Estevao's dramatic 95th-minute winner, reflecting an emerging identity under Enzo Maresca. Cole Palmer missed the match with a groin injury but joined the celebrations, symbolising a quiet handover as the 18-year-old Brazilian filled the creative void. Signed from Palmeiras for £29 million plus £15 million in add-ons, Estevao has been carefully integrated, with staff limiting exposure and aiding his adaptation. He entered on 75 minutes, forced a save, created a chance for Enzo Fernández and swept home the stoppage-time winner after a reshuffle caused by defensive injuries.
Read at Soccer News
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