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Have Chelsea found the next Eden Hazard? Enzo Maresca believes so

Originally posted on A Stamford Bridge Too Far
By Pranav Nair | Last updated Sep 30, 2025 10:39 AM ET

Estevao could develop into the next Eden Hazard at Chelsea

Chelsea may have fallen to Brighton in a 3-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge, but even on a difficult afternoon one player shone through the gloom. Summer signing Estevão, the teenage sensation from Palmeiras, once again showcased why so many believe he could be the heir to Eden Hazard’s throne.

Ahead of the clash (h/t TBR Football), Enzo Maresca singled out the 18-year-old for praise, and he didn’t hold back. “He’s doing very well. It’s not easy for a 17- or 18-year-old to arrive in Europe at a big club like Chelsea and immediately show the quality he has,” Maresca said.

The Chelsea boss went further, adding that Estevão is capable of playing “in all five attacking positions.” For supporters, those words will sound familiar. Hazard himself was once trusted to roam across the front line, tormenting defences from either flank and even through the middle when required. The freedom, versatility, and trust Maresca is placing in Estevão already mirrors the way Hazard was handled at the club’s peak years.

Echoes of Hazard’s brilliance

Hazard became a Stamford Bridge legend by making the extraordinary look routine. Across 352 appearances between 2012 and 2019, he netted 110 goals, delivering Premier League titles, unforgettable solo runs, and countless moments of magic.

While it is far too early to crown Estevão as Hazard’s successor, the similarities are impossible to ignore. Both arrived in West London at a young age with the weight of expectation. Both are gifted dribblers, fearless in one-on-one duels, and capable of unlocking a defence from any angle. And just like Hazard, Estevão already carries himself with a confidence that belies his age.

Maresca’s insistence that he can thrive across the frontline is more than just tactical flexibility, it is a statement that Chelsea finally have another player capable of being the heartbeat of the attack.

Chelsea’s Next Superstar in the Making?

Jason Cundy has suggested Estevão may have been promised more opportunities in the No. 10 role, another Hazard parallel. Whether he plays centrally or out wide, his early performances show a player who thrives when responsibility is thrust upon him. For a Chelsea side still searching for consistency, that spark is priceless.

Estevão is not Eden Hazard, atleast not yet. But he has the qualities, the freedom under Maresca, and the raw ability to make Chelsea fans dream again. The way Maresca talks about him, the way he is already trusted to take on big moments, feels reminiscent of how Hazard first began carving out his legend at Stamford Bridge.

If he can build on this foundation, stay fearless, and continue developing his end product, Chelsea may truly have unearthed their next superstar. For fans still longing for a new talisman to carry the club back to glory, the signs are there: Estevão could be the next Hazard story in blue.

This article first appeared on A Stamford Bridge Too Far and was syndicated with permission.

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