Chelsea wonderkid Estevao Willian 'inspired' by Enzo Maresca's words

Chelsea wonderkid Estevao Willian has revealed the “words of encouragement” he received from his manager, Enzo Maresca, before scoring the winning goal in the Blues’ dramatic 2-1 win over Liverpool on Saturday.

Estevao was introduced as a second-half substitute, popping up at the far post with perfect timing to cap off a sweeping team move that earned the Blues all three points at Stamford Bridge.

The 18-year-old has now revealed his conversation with the manager that led to Chelsea’s win in added time against Liverpool.

In a post-game interview with Chelsea TV, the young prodigy expressed his delight at being part of the victory, and how much he is enjoying his football in west London.

The teenage sensation praised the Blues manager for the confidence he has given him since joining the Premier League giants in the summer.

Despite having limited English, the sensational winger spoke with excitement and passion, beaming with a smile that did not require translation.

“Oh wow,” he said. “I’m just so, so happy.

“I’m grateful to God, to my family, to all my team-mates, to the coaching staff and to everyone else at the club who has helped me with my football here.

“It’s an amazing feeling to score my first Premier League goal and in such a big game, I’m just so happy.

“I feel great right now and it’s so good that the manager has so much confidence in me,” Estevao added.

“When I went on, he told me to just play my own game and to try and make an impact. He told me to try and score or create a goal, and thankfully I managed to do that.”

Estevao, who joined the club this summer from Palmeiras for a fee in the region of £55 million, disclosed that his manager granted him the freedom to influence the game despite his limited experience.

“I’m so happy for him and for all the belief that the manager, Enzo Maresca, has in me.”

Estevao is clearly enjoying his football at the moment, and is showing little sign of the added pressure of Premier League football and a move to a new country.

“Things at Chelsea have gone a lot better so far than I maybe imagined,” he stated. “I feel so good in training every day and I enjoy every moment.

“I have fantastic team-mates and coaching staff around me that help me each day, and it’s very helpful that I have my family with me and they’ve helped me really settle into life in England and the Premier League.

“I couldn’t be happier!”