'Superb' Estevao 'deserves' to be starting for Chelsea after strong UEFA Champions League display - 'Wisdom beyond his years'

It was an underwhelming night for Chelsea in Baku as Qarabag FK proved stern opposition. The Blues could only manage a 2-2 draw after struggling defensively in a chaotic first half, but 18-year-old Estevao caught the eye once again. He was lauded by TNT Sports expert Steve Sidwell, who also singled out Alejandro Garnacho for praise after the winger's instant impact from the bench.

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Estevao was praised by TNT Sports expert Steve Sidwell for his "quality" and "wisdom" after he scored Chelsea's opening goal in their 2-2 UEFA Champions League draw with Qarabag FK.

The 18-year-old, who has impressed since joining the club in the summer, cut inside onto his left foot and finished smartly to open the scoring on 16 minutes.

It was a fourth goal of the season in all competitions for the Brazilian, who earned the plaudits of Sidwell and fellow TNT Sports pundit Joe Cole.

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"That is where Chelsea look devastating," Sidwell said on co-commentary after Estevao's goal. "He's got one thought in his mind: can he come inside and use that left foot. Two quick touches and, with a flash, really hard and low at the near post.

"We speak about this player week in, week out. He deserves to be in the starting line-up. Straight away, makes an impact. He's always an outlet and he's got quality to boot as well. He's been superb."

He added: "Absolutely superb at such a young age, just got so much quality. He's a joy to watch when he gets in and around the box, he's always trying to make things happen, doesn't really go for the safe option.

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"At such a young age, wisdom beyond his years."

Former Chelsea midfielder Cole was equally positive on Estevao.

"Top player," he said. "What he does really well is he goes straight at you, direct. He's moving it, shifting it.

"He came on against Liverpool, the Premier League champions, and lit the game up. He's an outstanding footballer.

"Talk about settling in. That last-minute winner against Liverpool, the whole staff and team-mates raced to him and that tells you he's settled in with the group of lads, and that's really important when you've come from another country."

While Estevao's display was encouraging, Chelsea were left disappointed after dropping points in Azerbaijan.

A poor spell in the first half meant The Blues went into the break 2-1 down, before Enzo Maresca's half-time changes sparked an improvement.

"It's a point on the board. Given how they started, it's positive," Cole said. "The performance in the first half wasn't acceptable standards for a side that have designs on winning this.

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"But the whole team looked more structured and positive [in the second half]. I thought Estevao was bright.

"But there's still question marks, and I think it comes down to mindset. If you start the game on the front foot and apply yourself right, you can win this game comfortably.

"If this was a Liverpool or Real Madrid they come here and get three points. That's the next lesson for this team."

Garnacho could be 'one of the best in Europe'

Alejandro Garnacho, whose Chelsea career has yet to truly kick into gear since his summer move from Manchester United, was the difference-maker in the second half, scoring just a few minutes after his introduction as a substitute.

And Sidwell suggested there could be plenty more to come from the Argentine winger.

"Superb from Garnacho," he said. "This is what Chelsea fans want to see from him, making an impact in the final third.

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"He's certainly got the quality. It's a super strike.

"Chelsea fans are crying out to see the real Garnacho because he has got some talent. We've seen it there, and we need to see it more in a Chelsea shirt.

"When he's in form he's one of the best in Europe, that's for sure."

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