Palmeiras Boss to Chelsea's Maresca: 'Embrace' Rising Star Estêvão After CWC Showing

Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira has called on Chelsea's 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 stunning goal, an 83rd-minute own goal by Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton secured a 2-1 quarterfinal victory for Chelsea in Philadelphia. The win sets up a semifinal clash against Fluminense in New Jersey next Tuesday.

The 18-year-old Estêvão was awarded Player of the Match in what was his final appearance for Palmeiras before officially joining Chelsea later this month. The Blues finalized a £33.8m ($46.1m) deal for Estêvão a year ago, subsequently loaning him back to the Brazilian side.

Palmeiras coach Ferreira emphasized the importance of careful management to unlock the full potential of the young star.

"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 needs 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."

"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 given Estêvão some lighthearted advice about adapting to 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 Estevao's stellar performance firsthand, described it 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."