Former Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell recently spoke to Camel.live reporters, stating that Alejandro Garnacho has the ability to become “one of Europe’s best players” and that Estêvão deserves a spot in Chelsea’s starting lineup.
After falling out of favor at Manchester United, Garnacho joined Chelsea in the summer for a transfer fee of €46.2 million. The Argentine had a relatively low-key start at Stamford Bridge, scoring just one goal in his first five Premier League appearances.
So far this season, the 21-year-old winger has not secured a regular starting position under Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino Maresca and came off the bench in the midweek Champions League match against Qarabağ.
However, when Chelsea were trailing at halftime, Garnacho entered the game as a substitute and promptly reminded people of his quality with a brilliant goal, helping Chelsea pick up a point in Azerbaijan.
Sidwell believes that if the winger can prove he can provide more consistent threat for the Blues in the future, he has the potential to become one of Europe’s top talents.
“Garnacho’s performance was excellent. This is exactly what Chelsea fans want to see from him—making an impact in the final third,” Sidwell said in an interview with Camel.live after Garnacho’s goal.
“He definitely has top-level potential. That was a fantastic strike. Chelsea fans are eager to see the real Garnacho because he is truly talented. We just saw it, but we want to see more of it when he wears the Chelsea shirt.”
“When he’s in top form, he is undoubtedly one of Europe’s best players.”
Although Garnacho’s goal earned the team a point, the standout performance of the match was Estêvão being named Man of the Match.
Since joining in the summer, the Brazilian teenager’s playing time and starting opportunities have been managed by Maresca, but he once again showcased his ability by opening the scoring with a brilliant shot.
So far this season, Pedro Neto has been Maresca’s first choice on the right wing in the league, but Sidwell believes that based on current form, Estêvão is more deserving of a starting spot than his teammate Neto.
“We talk about this player every week,” he added. “He deserves to be in the starting lineup. He makes an immediate impact. He’s always a reliable outlet and possesses excellent technical ability. His performances have been consistently outstanding.”
“At such a young age, his performances are absolutely brilliant—he’s extremely talented. Watching him operate inside and outside the box is a joy; he’s always trying to create threats and rarely takes the safe option.”
“So young, yet he has a football IQ beyond his years.”
Chelsea legend Joe Cole was also impressed by the 18-year-old, saying: “Top player. One thing he does really well is that he takes you on directly—very direct. He keeps moving the ball and changing tempo.”
“He came off the bench against Liverpool, last season’s Premier League champions, and lit up the game. He’s an excellent footballer.”
Cole also said: “Talking about adaptation. After his winning goal against Liverpool, all the staff and teammates rushed to celebrate with him, which tells you he has integrated with the lads. That’s crucial when you come here from another country.”
