Glenn Hoddle Urges Maresca to Unleash Chelsea Star for Premier League Run-In

Glenn Hoddle Urges Maresca to Unleash Chelsea Star for Premier League Run-In

Chelsea’s summer acquisition Pedro Neto has had a mixed start at Stamford Bridge, but former Blues manager Glenn Hoddle believes the Portuguese winger deserves a regular spot in the team.

Chelsea invested £51.4 million to bring Neto from Wolves, hoping he would be a game-changer. However, his performances have been inconsistent, with just two goals and two assists in 22 Premier League appearances, starting only 12 of them.

Despite showing flashes of brilliance, he has yet to find the form that made him a standout at Wolves. Some fans and pundits have questioned whether he was worth the significant price tag.

Hoddle, who managed Chelsea in the 1990s, is confident that Neto will improve if given more opportunities. He believes the 24-year-old has struggled due to a lack of consistent playing time.

“Neto is a top player,” Hoddle told The Athletic. “He can play on the left, but he is lethal when cutting in from the right onto his left foot. If he knows he’s in the team every week, you will see him grow into the player he was at Wolves.”

Hoddle also pointed out that Neto’s inconsistency is partly due to being in and out of the starting lineup. “We’ve seen flashes of brilliance, but he hasn’t had a run of games to build momentum. Give him the shirt and let him play on the right flank,” he added.

With Noni Madueke sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Neto now has a significant role to play for Chelsea in the final stretch of the season. Jadon Sancho is the only other senior winger available, meaning young Tyrique George could also get more chances.

Neto is expected to start against Aston Villa on Saturday—a perfect opportunity for him to prove he belongs in the starting XI. If he can step up and deliver, Chelsea’s attack could finally find some much-needed consistency.