Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca reflects on Lamina Yamal and Estevao's comparisons with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has requested fans and experts not to compare Lamine Yamal and Estevao Willian to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. He wants the youngsters to enjoy their playing careers without any extra baggage.

Talking to the media following win over Barcelona, Maresca said that Estevao and Yamal should focus on their training and enjoyment while playing on the field. They should not worry about comparisons with Messi and Ronaldo, as it would derail their careers, and said:

"Estêvão needs to relax. He needs to enjoy, he needs [training] sessions. He needs to play football. Him, Lamine, they are so young, 18, that if you start to talk about Messi, [Cristiano] Ronaldo, I think it is too much pressure for young boys like them. They need to enjoy, arrive at the training ground, happy, session. When you start to compare with Messi or Ronaldo, I think it is too much for them."

Estevao reacts on his performance against Barcelona

Estevao reacted on his great outing vs Barcelona and said:

"I don't really have any words to sum up how I am feeling. It was all very quick for me. I found some space and wiggled my way through. I hope I keep scoring for many more years. It really was the perfect night. [My goal] was such a special moment for me in my career. From the moment I arrived here, I felt such a connection with the fans. I'm just so happy I could score for them and make them happy."

Estevao Willian and Lamine Yamal have been going through purple patch since making their first-team debuts, and the fans have been comparing them to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Santi Carzola opens up on Lamine Yamal's comparisons with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

Former Arsenal player Santi Carzorla interacted with WinWin earlier this season, appreciating Lamine Yamal for his exceptional start to his career. However, he wants the teen sensation to be left alone without any comparisons with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo:

“Comparisons with Messi and Cristiano are not good for anyone. Lamine must write his own story and be left in peace to enjoy his youth."

Estevao Willian and Lamine Yamal have also said they are not worried about comparisons with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and that they fully focused on their careers.