Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has a few different options to replace Liam Delap following his shoulder injury.
It has been claimed that Chelsea could be without Delap for two months in a huge blow for the club.
Joao Pedro and Marc Guiu are the natural options to replace the 22-year-old, but Pedro Neto has also played as a striker in the past.
Chelsea had the chance to sign Hugo Ekitike or Benjamin Sesko, why do you think they chose Liam Delap instead?
Both strikers were heavily linked with moves to Stamford Bridge in the summer
Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike smiling and Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko jogging
Credit: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC/Catherine Ivill – AMA via Getty Images
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The winger led the line in Chelsea’s recent 3-0 victory over Barcelona and seems to relish the responsibility.
Chelsea winger Pedro Neto running down the wing
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Pedro Neto enjoys playing up front
After injuries to Guiu and Nicolas Jackson last season, Neto had to play a few games as a striker.
Not having to do as much running back in that position compared to when he plays on the wing, the 25-year-old really enjoys the role.
As Neto discussed playing as a centre-forward last February, he said: “I don’t have to run as much running back. I have more energy to run in front. I have a free role as well to play there. I like to receive [to feet]. I like to go in the back. I’m really enjoying playing there.”
The Portuguese has really improved in front of goal this season, so he may be capable of fulfilling the role adequately in Delap’s absence.
In the current campaign, Neto has scored five goals in 15 Premier League outings. The season before, he managed to net just four times in 35 appearances.
Pedro Neto of Chelsea looks on during the warm up ahead of the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Chelsea
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
How Chelsea’s attack could look if Pedro Neto starts up front
Neto moving to the striker position could be good news for Estevao Willian, who has found himself just behind the Portugal international in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca had to take Estevao off at half-time during Chelsea’s 3-1 defeat to Leeds United after a tough 45 minutes. But other than that, the Brazilian has been exceptional for the Blues this term and should get more starting opportunities on the right if Neto does replace Delap up front.
Here’s what Chelsea’s attack could look like following Liam Delap’s injury. What would you change? 🤔
Chelsea's potential attack without Liam Delap
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Cole Palmer is Chelsea’s first-choice No.10, while Maresca prefers Alejandro Garnacho to Jamie Gittens right now. Therefore, the Chelsea boss could go with an attack of Neto, Palmer, Estevao and Garnacho.
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