There’s a player in the Chelsea squad who’s not quite been as good as Jamie Carragher expected this season.
In general, Chelsea should be satisfied with the first few months of the 2024/25 campaign. The Blues currently sit third in the Premier Legue table, plus they’re top of the Conference League group phase.
Enzo Maresca has made a seamless step into the role as the Chelsea manager since arriving in the summer, with several first-team stars thriving under his guidance.
Interestingly, Chelsea already feel like Maresca can be a long-term appointment.
Pedro Neto of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge...
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Jamie Carragher expects more from Chelsea star Pedro Neto
Jamie Carragher admits he expected to see more from Chelsea’s Pedro Neto during his debut season at Stamford Bridge. So far, he’s scored three goals and created three assists in 15 games across all competitions.
Carragher is still a massive fan of the 24-year-old winger and is hopeful he improves his levels as the campaign progresses.
When discussing Neto’s impact at Chelsea this campaign, Carragher told Sky Sports: “I was intrigued how he’d do because I think he’s a superstar. I think he’s a brilliant player.
“Initially he wasn’t in the Chelsea team. He now finds himself ahead of Jadon Sancho on that left side. He scored a brilliant goal against Arsenal. He’s got wonderful pace. I actually think he’s more suited to the right, but [Noni] Madueke plays there. Cole Palmer likes to play in that position as well at times. So it’s probably going to be difficult for him.
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“I’d expect to see a lot more coming from him. Hopefully the Arsenal goal really kickstarts him. I think there’s a real top player there, I really do. He’s had a good start without being a great one. He’s found himself now back in the first choice XI. Hopefully in the second half of the season you’ll see the Neto that we saw ripping up the Premier League at times for Wolves.
“I will have to change my impact signing because I’m expecting a little bit more from Neto. We’ll see as the season goes on.”
Behdad Eghbali pushed Chelsea to sign Neto this summer in a £54m deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers. There’s been enough in his performances to suggest he can be a key player in west London, too.
Is Pedro Neto available to face Aston Villa?
Neto was beginning to build up some momentum before November’s international break, but he returned to the club with an injury knock after his time with Portugal.
He’s missed victories over Leicester City (Premier League) and Heidenheim (Conference League) in the last week. However, there’s a chance he’ll be back in time for Sunday’s league match at home to Aston Villa.
Chelsea boss Maresca confirmed Neto should be available against Villa, which is a significant boost to the team.
It’ll be interesting to see who starts in the wide roles because there’s huge competition for places. Neto is competing with teammates Mykhailo Mudryk, Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke for a starting position.
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