Things might have been a little ropey at Chelsea over the past few months, but there are still plenty of reasons for Blues fans to be excited.
Looking at Enzo Maresca’s squad, there is ample quality to hit new heights in the coming years. While Chelsea’s sole chance of silverware this season lies in the Conference League, it’s important to remember the Blues are making incremental gains after a turbulent period while sitting fifth in the Premier League, just two points away from third-placed Nottingham Forest.
Though Maresca hasn’t enjoyed a jaw-dropping addition in the same vein as Mauricio Pochettino did with Cole Palmer, his side is still brimming with exciting attacking talent, and one or two more signings could elevate the club to the next level for 2025/26.
Where Chelsea need to strengthen
Injuries to Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu have highlighted the need for a new centre-forward this summer, one who can jockey for the No 1 spot and provide a goal source fit for a title fight against the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal.
A young squad assembled with comparative rapidity was always going to encounter teething problems, but it’s clear Todd Boehly and co need to acknowledge – internally, at least – their mishaps since arriving and push for fresh faces.
Both Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen have struggled to keep errors out of their games between the sticks, so don’t be surprised to see a new goalkeeper.
Defensive issues on the field and injury sufferings to the likes of Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile may also see that area of the market perused. Indeed, according to insider Simon Phillips, a seven-man shortlist was compiled in January to improve the club’s all-round quality.
However, Chelsea are rather well stocked on the attacking flanks. Jadon Sancho could improve but is a talented dribbler, while Noni Madueke continues to show plenty of promise.
There’s another winger at Chelsea who started slow but has been enjoying an uptick in performances in recent weeks, and may yet become a bona fide star under Maresca’s wing.
Chelsea’s £100m star in the making
Chelsea’s scattergun spending under the new regime has produced undesirable results over the past few years, but there’s no question the Blues are making progress and might even be playing Champions League football next season – ahead of schedule, by Maresca’s account.
Pedro Neto, 24, will be crucial in achieving this, for he is starting to impress at a time when Palmer has, for the first time, faltered.
Chelsea signed Wolverhampton Wanderers’ talented forward for £54m in August, but he struggled to acclimatise in the early knockings of the campaign, only starting two of his opening seven Premier League games.
However, with four goal involvements in his last three league starts, there’s no question the “incredible” winger, as he has been called by Gary O’Neil, is coming into his own.
Journalist Tom Overend has been impressed by Neto’s recent performances, saying: “Pedro Neto being moved to the central forward position might just have launched his career at Chelsea.
“He immediately looks more threatening, positions better and is getting more goal and assist output as well.”
|
Pedro Neto: Chelsea stats by position |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Position |
Apps |
Goals |
Assists |
|
Right-winger |
15 |
2 |
3 |
|
Left-winger |
12 |
2 |
2 |
|
Centre-forward |
2 |
1 |
2 |
|
Attacking midfield |
1 |
0 |
0 |
His natural progressiveness and creativity are coming to fruition, and you can only imagine how impressive he might be with a clinical and powerful out-and-out No 9 alongside him.
As per FBref, Neto ranks among the top 26% of positional peers in the Premier League this season for assists (0.27) and the top 8% for progressive carries (5.66) per 90.
A carry is considered progressive if the ball is moved towards the opponent’s goal at least 10 yards from its starting point or is carried into the penalty area.
Such qualities have seen FBref record Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon as one of his most comparable players this term, with the Three Lions star averaging 0.31 assists and 4.69 progressive carries per 90 this season.
Like Neto, Gordon’s positional pliability has seen him play across the frontline this season, filling in up front when need be.
Chelsea were prepared to pay up to £60m for Everton’s academy star back in 2022, and given he’s now at St. James’ Park and thriving, they may kick themselves – not least because Newcastle transfer-listed their talent at a jaw-dropping £100m last summer when Liverpool were linked with him.
Neto’s got a way to go before he reaches his potential at Chelsea, but he’s making all the right moves and has the perfect playing style to do so, for he’s just like Gordon – a player the Stamford Bridge side profiled extensively