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

Chelsea’s summer signing Pedro Neto has had an up-and-down start at Stamford Bridge, but former Blues manager Glenn Hoddle believes the Portuguese winger deserves a regular spot in the team.

Chelsea spent £51.4 million to bring Neto from Wolves, expecting him to be a game-changer. However, his performances have been inconsistent, with just two goals and two assists in 22 Premier League appearances. Out of those, he has only started 12 games.

Despite showing glimpses of brilliance, he hasn’t yet found the form that made him a star at Wolves. Some fans and pundits have criticized his recent displays, questioning whether he was worth the hefty 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 big 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.