Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has shared his insights on Chelsea FC’s current squad, praising the potential of young forward Estevao while expressing concerns over the quality of some of his teammates. Chelsea has made a promising start to the season, currently sitting in third place in the Premier League after 11 matches, just six points behind leaders Arsenal. The club has also advanced to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup, showcasing their competitive edge.
Under the management of Enzo Maresca, Chelsea revamped their attacking lineup last summer, bringing in players like Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, and Alejandro Garnacho. Yet, it is the 18-year-old Estevao, formerly of Palmeiras, who has captured the spotlight with his dynamic performances. After an impressive showing at the Club World Cup, Estevao has recorded four goals and one assist in his first 16 appearances for Chelsea, demonstrating his rapid adaptation to life at Stamford Bridge.
Deeney pointed out that among Chelsea’s five wingers, only Pedro Neto can match Estevao’s contributions this season, with five goal involvements. However, Neto has played significantly more minutes than the young Brazilian. Gittens, Garnacho, and Tyrique George have also contributed four goals each, but Deeney remains skeptical about their long-term potential compared to Estevao.
“Chelsea have got the young kid Estevao who is going to be an absolute monster,” Deeney stated during an appearance on talkSPORT. He recalled a remark made by Jose Kleberson at the Club World Cup, where Kleberson described Estevao as “the next Neymar.” Deeney emphasized that this was not mere hyperbole but a testament to the player’s remarkable skills on the field.
While Estevao shines, Deeney noted that Maresca faces challenges with his new strikers. Though Joao Pedro has netted seven goals and provided three assists in 17 games, his best performances have come when deployed in a No. 10 role rather than on the wing. Meanwhile, Delap has been sidelined for much of the season due to a hamstring injury and faced criticism for receiving a red card shortly after his return to action.
“He is struggling at the moment, whether it be through injury or getting sent off,” Deeney explained. “But I also think it’s the first time he’s having to deal with a low block. When he was at Ipswich, everyone was coming on to him, allowing him to use his pace and power to run in behind. Now he’s having to be a little bit cuter in these areas.”
Deeney added that Joao Pedro is being overworked due to a lack of available players. “He is being flogged like a dead horse at this moment in time for no other reason than everybody else is not fit and available,” Deeney remarked.
As Chelsea prepares to face Burnley on November 22, 2023, they will seek to build on their strong start to the season. With Estevao emerging as a standout player and Deeney’s critical observations of the squad, the club’s strategy moving forward will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
