Palmeiras Manager Urges Chelsea's Maresca to 'Embrace' Estêvão After Club World Cup Display

Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira has implored Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca to "embrace" and "take care of" teenage sensation Estêvão Willian, following the young forward's impressive performance against his future club in the FIFA Club World Cup.

Despite Estêvão's goal, an 83rd-minute own goal by Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton secured a 2-1 quarterfinal victory for Chelsea in Philadelphia. The win propels them into a semifinal clash against Fluminense in New Jersey next Tuesday.

The 18-year-old Estêvão was named Player of the Match in what was his final appearance for Palmeiras before officially joining Chelsea later this month. The London club secured Estêvão's services a year ago in a deal worth £33.8m ($46.1m) before loaning him back to the Brazilian side.

Palmeiras' Ferreira emphasized the importance of careful management to unlock the youngster's full potential.

"I spoke before with Maresca," Ferreira told reporters. "He is a nice coach and I told him, 'you bought an amazing player, but more than this you bought an amazing person'."

"He is a kid that is 18 years old so Chelsea need to take care of him. They need to embrace him because in the beginning, for sure, he will make mistakes."

"Like you saw today, he is an amazing player with a lot of skill. He is a player who can win a game alone."

"When he started with Palmeiras, my first thought was that he wasn't too strong, but he's really good and has a lot of strength."

Ferreira added: "He looks really slim, but he is strong. He's fast with his dribbling, he is an amazing player, and he is tough. Chelsea paid a lot for him, so congratulations Chelsea, because you have an amazing player."

Ferreira also shared that he has prepared Estêvão for the realities of life in England.

"I told him the sun is not the same!" Ferreira joked. "In England it appears maybe 2-3 times a year and the night comes early."

"I am sure Chelsea have all the conditions to support him. He's a fantastic player, but he needs the help, for sure."

Maresca, having witnessed Estêvão's abilities firsthand, described the game as the "perfect night."

"I'm happy because we won and also happy because Estêvão scored," Maresca said. "The perfect night."

"He is very good, a huge talent, fantastic player. The only thing is when you come from South America or another part of the world is that you need to adapt, but we are going to help him. We have no doubt he will be an important player for Chelsea."