Pedro Neto’s Recent Role as a Striker for Chelsea

Pedro Neto has been leading Chelsea’s attack in recent matches due to injuries sidelining Marc Guiu and Nicolas Jackson.

The Portuguese international has contributed three goals in his last two appearances as a striker, demonstrating significant potential in this position.

The West London club has now expressed confidence in their £54 million signing, who initially struggled to adapt at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea Confident in Pedro Neto’s Goal-Scoring Potential

According to The Telegraph, Chelsea believes Pedro Neto is developing into a reliable goal-scoring asset for Enzo Maresca’s squad.

The club is optimistic that the Portuguese forward can consistently net 15 or more goals per season, as he reaches a key stage in his career.

Although Neto faced criticism in his early days at Chelsea, his recent performances have shown a marked improvement.

Chelsea successfully fended off interest from Tottenham and Arsenal to secure Neto from Wolves, and he is now proving why he was so highly sought after.

Enzo Maresca Impressed by Pedro Neto’s Striker Performances

Maresca has been pleased with Neto’s recent displays, particularly in his new role as a striker.

According to The Telegraph, the Italian coach intends to keep utilizing Neto in this position and as a backup when Jackson returns from injury.

The two-time European champions face Leicester City on Sunday and will be hoping Neto continues his strong form up front.

Manager Admits Chelsea Appointment Felt Strange

Chelsea has made some unexpected managerial hires over the years.

Avram Grant had no experience managing outside Israel before taking charge at Stamford Bridge, while Graham Potter’s biggest success was securing a top-half finish with Brighton.

Frank Lampard, despite being a Chelsea legend, was an unusual choice, considering he had only one full season of managerial experience in the Championship with Derby County.

Chelsea appointed Lampard following Maurizio Sarri’s departure.

While at Derby, Lampard downplayed links to Chelsea, but ultimately, he was given the job in the summer of 2019.

Speaking on the BBC Radio Five Live Football Daily Podcast, Lampard reflected on his managerial career, acknowledging how unusual it was to land such a high-profile role after just one year in management.

Frank Lampard Acknowledges Unusual Chelsea Appointment

Lampard discussed his arrival at Chelsea, admitting that it was unexpected given his limited experience but that he felt confident in his ability to succeed.

“I just got on with it, and to be on the other side was somewhat surreal, no doubt. But I returned to Chelsea after just one year in management—it was unusual to get the job then. I understood the circumstances, the transfer ban, my playing career, all of it aligned for me. But I had a real sense of confidence that I could do it,” Lampard said.

Frank Lampard’s Managerial Record Before Chelsea

Although Lampard’s legendary status at Chelsea worked in his favor, his managerial track record made his appointment surprising.

His tenure at Derby County was not particularly remarkable, as reflected in his statistics.

Frank Lampard’s Record at Derby County

Games: 57

Wins: 26

Draws: 15

Losses: 16

Win Percentage: 46%

League Position: 6th

Lampard finished sixth in the Championship with Derby, the same position they had achieved the previous season under Gary Rowett.

Some argue he should have done better, considering he had players like Mason Mount, Fikayo Tomori, and Harry Wilson, all of whom have since advanced to bigger clubs.

Tomori was linked with Tottenham in the January window, Manchester United signed Mount last summer, and Wilson is performing well at Fulham in the Premier League.

While Lampard’s Chelsea tenure was not a failure, Thomas Tuchel later demonstrated that the squad had the potential to achieve much more under an experienced manager.