Chelsea are preparing for a crunch Premier League clash with Manchester United this weekend, but former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson believes one of the Blues’ star names must raise his game.
Speaking in his match preview, Merson suggested that Pedro Neto, signed from Wolves for £51.3 million in 2024, is yet to justify the fee or establish himself as a decisive attacker under Enzo Maresca.
“I don’t think Pedro Neto has done enough for Chelsea, and Jamie Gittens looks a bit lost!” Merson said. “They must play Estevao, let him off the leash. Neto, Palmer, and Estevao behind Joao Pedro would be the best option — but I doubt Maresca will do the same. He may opt to go safe instead.”
Pedro Neto’s Chelsea career so far
Neto has been a consistent starter for Maresca, featuring in all four Premier League matches so far this season. The Portugal international has operated on both flanks, scoring once against West Ham, but has not always produced the end product fans crave.
Since joining Chelsea, Neto has made 56 appearances in all competitions, returning 10 goals and 9 assists. While those numbers are respectable, Merson argues that they do not reflect the influence expected of a marquee signing.
| Pedro Neto Chelsea Stats | All Competitions |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 56 |
| Goals | 10 |
| Assists | 9 |
source: Chelsea club data – 19 September 2025
Estevao Willian raises the pressure
The emergence of teenage sensation Estevao Willian has intensified the scrutiny on Neto. The Brazilian winger has impressed in limited opportunities, with teammates such as Joao Pedro backing him to develop into one of the best players in the world if his progress continues.
Neto’s versatility is valued by Maresca, who has started him on both wings this season, but the increasing calls for Estevao to start suggest the Portuguese winger must deliver more consistently to keep his place.
“I don’t think Pedro Neto has done enough for Chelsea. They must play Estevao and let him off the leash.” — Paul Merson
Analyst verdict: pressure on Neto
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Neto’s situation reflects the intensity of competition at Stamford Bridge:
“Chelsea invested heavily in Neto because of his Premier League pedigree, but so far he hasn’t provided the explosive impact they hoped for. With Estevao shining, Maresca faces a balancing act between giving Neto more time and unleashing his teenage prodigy. The Manchester United game could be a decisive moment in that debate.”
Key insights
- Paul Merson says Pedro Neto “hasn’t done enough” at Chelsea.
- The £51.3m winger has 10 goals and 9 assists in 56 appearances.
- Neto scored his first goal of the 2025/26 season against West Ham.
- Estevao Willian’s rise is adding pressure for a starting role.
- Chelsea face Man United with Maresca urged to be more adventurous.
What’s next?
Chelsea meet Manchester United on Saturday in a fixture that could shape both clubs’ early-season campaigns. Maresca’s side are winless in their last two matches and in need of a spark.
If Neto starts, all eyes will be on him to prove his critics wrong. Should Maresca instead turn to Estevao, it could mark the beginning of a generational shift in Chelsea’s attack. Either way, the outcome will carry significant weight in determining how Chelsea approach the months ahead.
👉 Has Pedro Neto done enough to deserve his Chelsea starting spot — or should Estevao be given the chance to shine against Manchester United?
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