Despite having a flurry of attackers in what looks like a bloated squad, Chelsea have splashed the cash on Portuguese forward, Pedro Neto in a deal worth £47m. The 24 year old was unveiled at halftime during Chelsea’s preseason friendly match against Italian champions, Inter Milan on Sunday, 11th August 2024.
The Blues have spent about £180m on incomings with Tosin Adarabiayo, Aaron Anselmino, Estevao, Marc Guiu, Renato Veiga, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Omari Kellyman and Filip Jorgensen joining the squad ahead of the 2024/2025 season.
Why Neto?
Most fans have questioned the transfer style at Chelsea since Clearlake took over with over
£1bn spent on transfers. Chelsea currently have Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, Mykhailo Mudryk,
Raheem Sterling, Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu as offensive options. These options look sufficient to see Chelsea through the season, you have to consider the fact that Chelsea have suffered numerous injury setbacks in the past three seasons along with inconsistent displays from their forwards. Neto’s signing helps bolster the squad options given the fact that Chelsea will be involved in 5 different competitions which could accumulate more than 60 matches overall.
What Can He Offer on The Pitch?
Neto possesses a blend of trickery, speed and creativity with his crossing prowess which saw him emerge as one of the top assist providers in the 2023/2024 season with 9 assists. Additionally, Neto is one of the best progressive carriers in England. He ranked third for Wolves last season with 98 carries behind Nelson Semedo(103) and Matheus Cunha(107).
For context, only Raheem Sterling(120) and Cole Palmer(117) carried more than Neto. This could come handy especially in transition or when Chelsea needs a player to bail them out of
tight spaces.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca deploys a system which requires his wingers to hug the touchline, aiming to create 1v1 situations against opposition fullbacks. This requires brave dribblers who can turn the game on it’s head and Neto fits perfectly into this category.
Apart from his flair and creativity, Neto is comfortable on both wings which played a major role in the club’s decision to secure his services.
Furthermore, Neto helps his teammates defensively by dropping back or chasing down the ball once possession is lost– this is a valuable trait for wingers in the Premier league. Chelsea fans have endured years of unproductive forwards before the emergence of Cole Palmer last season but the acquisition of Pedro Neto has reignited the passion of looking forward to every matchday in hopes of flair, goals and victory.
In conclusion, whether Neto becomes a starter or squad player isn’t clear to the fans but one thing we’re sure of is the moments he’ll create here with the fans every moment he steps on the pitch.
