Chelsea's teenage star gives Maresca a nice problem

It was spectacular but the early impressions are that he is spectacular.

- RICHARD JOLLY SENIOR FOOTBALL CORRESPONDENT

With a blend of audacity, agility and ability, Estevao Willian went for the overhead kick. He almost scored it, too, the ball flying past the far post of a goalkeeper, in Remko Pasveer, who was in his twenties by the time a prodigy was born. No matter. He had already scored, adding the Champions League to the Premier League, the Club World Cup, the Copa Libertadores and World Cup qualifiers among the competitions he has graced with a goal in 2025. Chelsea's 5-1 rout of Ajax was a night for the young but the youngest starter of all made the greatest mark.

The 19-year-olds, Marc Guiu and Tyrique George, also struck and while Estevao's goal was only a penalty, and one gifted to him by Enzo Fernandez, who had already scored from 12 yards himself, it was taken with masterly expertise.

Ajax were so feeble that perhaps Chelsea should not read too much into a demolition. But what can be said is that Estevao was the most captivating presence, a player who will decorate games against far better teams. Chelsea have got a star. Which, as young as a player who joined at 18 is, they knew before his arrival: his transfer arranged a year earlier, he gave the Blues a taste of his talent when scoring against them at the Club World Cup.