“He’s got that kind of Diego Maradona way” - Alan Pardew compares Chelsea star to Argentina hero

Former Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has compared Chelsea youngster Estevao Willian to Argentine icon Diego Maradona. Aged only 18, Estevao is regarded as one of the best young players on the planet.

The teenager has made a bright start to life at Stamford Bridge following his big move from Palmeiras. Enzo Maresca has eased him to first-team football so far but he has already shown signs why he is rated so highly.

Pardew has hailed the youngster and likened his ball control and technique to that of Diego Maradona. Maradona is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers to have ever lived and comparisons to him speaks volumes about Estevao's ability. Speaking to Sam Matterface on talkSPORT, Pardew said:

“When you have got a player who can just stand the defender straight up and say, ‘Well I’m going to take you on,’ and he knows he’s going to take him on and still beats him, then you know you’ve got a special player."

He added:

“He’s so quick, he’s so close to the ground and he’s got that kind of [Diego] Maradona way that he manouvres the ball.”

Sam Matterface also lavished praise on the teenager and claimed that he is already the best player at Chelsea. He also backed the winger to win the Ballon d'Or in the future. Matterface said:

“Estevao, I don’t care that he’s 18, he is the best player in Chelsea’s team right now. I said it before he arrived that he was going to be a superstar. And I will tell you this right now, he will win the Ballon d’Or one day.”

Estevao has made 16 appearances across competitions for Chelsea so far and has contributed with four goals and one assist. He has also earned nine caps for Brazil already and has scored on three occasions.

---

Geremi compares Chelsea star to club legend Frank Lampard

Former Chelsea player Geremi Njitap has compared Cole Palmer to Blues legend Frank Lampard. Palmer has been the best player for the Blues since joining the club from Manchester City in 2023.

Geremi, who played alongside Lampard for the Blues, has likened Palmer's goalscoring ability to that of his former teammate. He told FourFourTwo:

“Frank Lampard and Cole Palmer are both goalscorers. They can score at any time during the game. When you look at the way Frank used to play his role, he was a No.8, a player who would go from box to box. Palmer is more of an attacking player, but he has a lot of technical quality."

The former Cameroon international added:

"Palmer was nothing short of fantastic in that final. I was so shocked. PSG were the team to beat, they were winning absolutely everything. But, Chelsea were convincing winners. They deserved it, and Palmer was the man of the match. He’s a great player."

Very few expected Cole Palmer to become the standout player for Chelsea when he joined them from Manchester City. He could not break into the Cityzens' starting XI under Pep Guardiola but has been sensational for the Blues.

He has scored 45 goals and produced 29 assists in 101 appearances for the west London club so far. The England international has struggled with a groin injury this season and has scored twice in four games.