Highly thought of (7)
'highly thought of' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for esteemed that I've seen before include "Honoured" , "Highly thought of, respected" , "Prestigious" , "Highly-valued" , "Respected and appreciated like customer" .)
(Other definitions for admired that I've seen before include "Looked up to" , "Approved - wondered at" , "Cherished" , "regarded with respect" , "Had a high opinion of" .)