Pedro Neto made some massive contributions in Chelsea’s run-in this season, helping his side to qualify for the Champions League.
It was Neto who set up Levi Colwill’s decisive strike against Nottingham Forest on the Premier League‘s final day, ensuring that the Blues finished in the top five.
He also led Chelsea to victory against Fulham in April after scoring the winning goal at Craven Cottage. Had Enzo Maresca‘s men not won that day, the season could have finished in a very different manner.
All in all, Neto’s debut campaign at Chelsea has been promising and has impressed his manager.
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Enzo Maresca and Chelsea delighted with Neto’s fitness and versatility
Neto’s numbers this season are hardly amazing. In 35 Premier League appearances, the winger only managed to score four goals and provide six assists.
According to Matt Law of The Telegraph, though, Neto has still impressed Maresca and Chelsea with his fitness and willingness to play in any position at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking on the London Is Blue podcast, the journalist said: “I know they are very, very happy, both Maresca and the club as a whole, with the way Neto stayed healthy but also was prepared to play in different positions. He played left, he played right, he played through the middle. They felt that he gave everything every time.
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“It didn’t always work out for him on the left particularly, but they’ve been very impressed with his attitude, they’ve been very impressed with the way he has worked with them to improve his fitness and I do think there’s a belief there that with a full healthy season behind him that eventually his numbers will kick in.”
Neto picked up some bad injuries at former club Wolverhampton Wanderers, but he has put that behind him. In total, the Portuguese has made 45 appearances for Chelsea across all competitions.
In the past, Neto has attracted interest from other Premier League clubs. Neto was once tracked by Manchester United, for example, according to one of his old coaches, Jose Carvalho Araujo.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
How Enzo Maresca has used Pedro Neto this season
As already highlighted, Maresca has deployed Neto on the left, on the right and up front. The right flank is where Neto has been used most, though, with the Portugal international making 22 appearances there.
Positions Pedro Neto has played during 2024/25 season Appearances in position
Right winger 22
Left winger 14
Centre-forward 6
Second striker 1
Via Transfermarkt
That versatility has made Neto a very useful player to Chelsea, while his contributions in those wins against Fulham and Forest will not be forgotten.
Maresca will now be hoping that the ex-Wolves star can improve his numbers and become a more productive attacker next term.