There were many positives on Wednesday night as Chelsea came from behind to beat Antonio Conte’s Napoli in Italy, but one player should be ousted from the starting XI.
Liam Rosenior has made a wonderful start to life as Chelsea manager, picking up five wins from six. Two wins in two in the Premier League, two in two in the Champions League and an FA Cup win to boot.
Chelsea’s top four prospects, and progressing far in the Champions League look promising. The gaffer is beginning to learn his best players, with Joao Pedro clearly first choice up top above striker Liam Delap.
What are you honest thoughts on Chelsea’s squad?
Nuno Espirito Santo clearly rates it 👌
West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo speaking about Chelsea's squad
Photo by Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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Robert Sanchez, Reece James, Marc Cucurella, Andrey Santos, Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Cole Palmer all start if fit, and Rosenior is picking his best side. But another, once on that list, needs dropping.
Liam Rosenior has to drop £54m man, no longer first choice
Following his £54m move from Wolves in the summer of 2024, Neto had a hand in 18 goals during his first season, clocking up 51 appearances in all competitions. Neto was a key player, with end product.
Chelsea's Pedro Neto during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
This season, that form has dipped. Especially in the last few weeks. In his last 11 appearances in all competitions, Neto has managed just one goal as a sub against Charlton, and an assist against Arsenal.
On Wednesday, Neto started, but he struggled. He was hooked at half-time by Rosenior and Palmer replaced him, having failed to provide a single defensive contribution, and lost all three of his duels.
Not only that, but Neto missed a big chance according to FotMob. Having been a mainstay in the side previously, his form of late including a disaster against Pafos has got to convince Rosenior to drop him.
Pedro Neto really needs to mix up his game 🤦♂️
What did you make of his performance against Pafos?
Pedro Neto's number of crosses vs Pafos
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Dropping Neto should tempt Rosenior into formation change
While there is dropping Neto, there should also be the consideration of bringing Palmer into the side. But Palmer is no winger, and Chelsea have looked better with Santos and Caicedo behind Enzo in the 10 role.
So, Rosenior needs to work out a way in which he can use Palmer and Fernandez in attacking midfield, while keeping Santos alongside Caicedo. A 3-4-2-1 system might be the best way to get Chelsea purring.
A back three of Reece James with Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah, Malo Gusto and Marc Cucurella at wing-back, Caicedo and Santos in holding midfield, Palmer and Fernandez behind striker Joao Pedro.
It makes Chelsea compact, in control but incorporates all their best and in-form players. Whether Rosenior is willing to change formation at this stage of the season, with little time to work, is unclear.
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