Chelsea’s star names often dominate the headlines — Moisés Caicedo, Reece James, Cole Palmer — but inside Enzo Maresca’s system, few players carry more tactical or emotional value than Pedro Neto. While new signings and academy talents attract the spotlight, Neto has quietly become one of Maresca’s most trusted lieutenants during the Italian’s 17 months in charge.
His return to training on Monday could not have come at a better time for Chelsea, who face Burnley at the weekend before decisive clashes with Barcelona and Arsenal. Maresca has repeatedly leaned on Neto’s reliability, work rate and adaptability — traits that earned the Portuguese winger a near ever-present role this season. Alongside João Pedro, he is one of only two outfield players to start all 11 Premier League matches.
And as Chelsea prepare for the most important fortnight of their campaign so far, the winger’s return to fitness feels like the quiet boost that could shape their momentum.
Why Pedro Neto Has Become Essential to Chelsea
Neto’s importance stems from consistency. Whether deployed on the left or right, or even as a stand-in No9 — as he was during the 3–0 win over Wolves when he scored against his former club — the 25-year-old offers a level of tactical discipline that Maresca values above all else.
Chelsea’s squad is stacked with wide options: Alejandro Garnacho, Estevão, Jamie Gittens, Tyrique George and the prospect of fitting both João Pedro and Cole Palmer once the England star returns from injury. Yet Maresca keeps returning to Neto. The coach’s belief is simple — Neto offers balance. His positioning allows the opposite winger more freedom, his pressing sets the tone, and his two-footedness adds unpredictability in wide areas.
His record this season — 3 goals, 2 assists, 4 big chances created — adds substance to the trust placed in him.
Maresca’s View: Humble, Hard-Working, Reliable
“He’s top, very humble, working hard… He’s a very important player for us.” — Enzo Maresca
Maresca has praised Neto’s mentality as often as his output. He regards him as a senior figure in the squad — one who understands the demands of a possession-dominant 4-2-3-1 and is willing to carry the defensive load younger attackers sometimes avoid.
But the Chelsea head coach has also challenged his winger. He insists that in the Premier League, “the moment you drop mentally or physically, it becomes complicated.” The message was clear: good won’t be good enough if Neto wants to stay ahead of Estevão, who is pushing hard for a return to the starting XI.
Neto’s Value to Maresca’s System
Neto’s biggest strength might be that he fits the system perfectly. His scanning before receiving the ball, his ability to help Chelsea escape pressure, and his defensive tracking make him a natural extension of Maresca’s principles.
Maresca’s wide players are expected to combine, invert, and help sustain long phases of possession — not just run in behind. Neto excels in those subtler responsibilities, which explains why he often starts even when a flashier option sits on the bench.
Last season, he contributed nine goals and nine assists and was instrumental in Chelsea’s Club World Cup triumph, finishing as joint top scorer with Palmer and João Pedro. That pedigree matters in a young squad.
Stats Table – Pedro Neto (2025/26)
| Stat (2025/26) | Pedro Neto |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 15 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Pass Accuracy | 85% |
source: Sofascore match data – 19 November 2025
These numbers highlight a winger who contributes steadily in the final third while also helping Chelsea recover possession (2.6 times per game), supporting the idea that Maresca values him as much for his defensive work as his attacking output.
Our View: Why Neto Is Even More Important Than He Looks
Having followed Chelsea closely throughout Maresca’s tenure, it’s clear Neto has become a system player of rare importance. In a team filled with high-ceiling attackers, he is the stabiliser — the player who ensures spacing is correct, ball circulation stays clean, and pressing traps function properly.
In our view, this is exactly why Maresca trusts him so heavily. Some players are picked for highlights; Neto is picked for reliability. His ability to play both wings equally well means he adapts to match-specific plans more flexibly than any other Chelsea attacker.
There is, however, a nuance often missed: although Estevão is a rapidly rising star, his natural instinct is to attack aggressively. He doesn’t yet provide the tactical balance Maresca needs in high-stakes matches. That’s why Neto’s spot, despite external excitement, is safer than some believe.
Added Insight: What His Return Means for the Next Two Weeks
Chelsea face Barcelona in the Champions League and Arsenal in the league — two fixtures where Maresca will prioritise control, discipline, and reliable wide structures. Neto’s return gives Chelsea a trusted outlet in transitions and a calm carrier when pressed. His influence without the ball could be even more important: Barcelona and Arsenal thrive when wide players lose their duels or vacate shape too early.
Simply put, Chelsea look more stable with Neto in the team. His timing could not be better.
Key Insights
- Pedro Neto has become one of Maresca’s most trusted players.
- He has started all 11 Chelsea league matches this season.
- His versatility and defensive discipline give him an edge over rivals.
- Maresca has challenged him to maintain top-level consistency.
- Neto returns from injury just as Chelsea face Barcelona and Arsenal.
What’s Next?
Neto is expected to feature against Burnley at the weekend as Maresca assesses his sharpness. If he comes through unscathed, he will almost certainly start against both Barcelona and Arsenal — two matches that may define Chelsea’s winter momentum.
👉 Chelsea fans — is Pedro Neto your most underrated player this season?
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