Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has delivered a frank assessment of Chelsea's attacking options, singling out one teenager for superstar potential while casting doubt on the current 'top quality' of several other wingers at the club.
Estevao Tipped for Superstardom
Despite Chelsea's strong start to the season, sitting third in the table after 11 games and just six points behind leaders Arsenal, Deeney believes there is a clear hierarchy forming within Enzo Maresca's squad. The pundit reserved his highest praise for 18-year-old Brazilian winger Estevao, who has made an electrifying start to his career at Stamford Bridge.
"Chelsea have got the young kid Estevao who is going to be an absolute monster," Deeney stated during an appearance on talkSPORT. He recalled a conversation with former Brazilian international Jose Kleberson during the Club World Cup, who made a bold comparison. "He said to us at that time, 'this is the next Neymar'. It was a massive statement, but it wasn't one of him trying to just big up a South American."
The statistics support the hype. Since his high-profile move from Palmeiras, Estevao has dazzled fans, contributing four goals and an assist in his first 16 appearances for the Blues.
Concerns Over Other Attacking Options
However, Deeney's review of the rest of Chelsea's wide players was less glowing. While acknowledging the depth, he suggested a significant gap in class. "He's the only real top, top quality winger at the moment of the four or five that they've got," he concluded, referring to Estevao.
This group includes summer signings Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho, as well as academy product Tyrique George. Deeney's comments come despite the fact that, of Chelsea's five wingers, only the experienced Pedro Neto can match Estevao's tally of five goal contributions this season.
The analysis also extended to Maresca's striking department. While summer signing Joao Pedro has an impressive return of seven goals and three assists in 17 games, Deeney noted the Brazilian has looked more effective playing in a No. 10 role rather than as an out-and-out striker.
Struggles in the Striker Role
The situation is more concerning for fellow forward Liam Delap, who cost the club £29 million. Delap has been hampered by a hamstring injury and faced heavy criticism for receiving a red card almost immediately upon his return to the pitch.
"He is struggling at the moment, whether it be through injury, whether it be through getting sent off," Deeney said. He also pointed to a tactical challenge for the young striker. "I also think it's the first time he's having to deal with a low block. When he was at Ipswich everyone was coming on to him, so it gave him that pace and power that he's got to run in behind. Now he's having to be a little bit cuter in these areas. There's a lot of development there."
This has left Joao Pedro carrying a heavy burden. Deeney sympathised, stating, "Joao Pedro is being flogged like a dead horse at this moment in time for no other reason than everybody else is not fit and available."
Chelsea fans will be hoping for solutions when the team returns from the international break with a trip to face Burnley on November 22.
