The 18-year-old has shown glimpses of his immense potential since joining Chelsea from Brazilian side Palmeiras this summer.
Estevao has started four of his five Premier League games so far, providing one assist in the 5-1 win over West Ham earlier in the season.
The youngster has been touted to change position from a right winger to a more traditional number ten during his time at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca appears to agree, comparing Estevao to talismanic playmaker Palmer, who the Italian managed while he was with Man City.
Speaking ahead of their Premier League clash with Liverpool on Saturday (October 4), he said: "I think Estevao reminded me a lot of Cole when Cole was with me in the U23s at City, and when he was with us in the first team.
“I think Cole's path has been similar to Estevao's path in terms of starting wide as a winger. And then slowly, slowly you can move inside.”
Maresca did admit that Estevao will have to bulk up if he wants to take the step, however, adding: “The Premier League is completely different compared to other countries in the world. If you want to play in the middle, you need to be physically prepared.
“I think Cole now is like that. In the past, he needed to develop that. I see Estevao exactly in the same way.”