He must be part of the starting squad from now on, with that type of fabulous performance it would be ridiculous if he doesn’t start from now on” – Frank Lampard believes that Enzo Maresca should include the “fabulous” Chelsea player in the starting lineup for their upcoming Premier League match.
Chelsea faced a tough test in their second major match of the season, ultimately falling 2-1 to Liverpool at Anfield, where the league leaders held firm. Nicolas Jackson managed to find the back of the net for Chelsea, marking his first goal against the Reds and briefly leveling the score at 1-1. However, Chelsea couldn’t hold onto the tie and went on to suffer their second defeat of the season.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca expressed pride in his team’s effort despite missing key players due to various setbacks. Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella were unavailable because of suspensions, while Reece James and Romeo Lavia were returning from extended injury spells and could only contribute limited minutes on the field.
Maresca took a strategic gamble by making three substitutions early in the second half, including bringing on Pedro Neto at halftime in place of Jadon Sancho. Frank Lampard, a Chelsea legend, advocated for Neto’s inclusion in the starting lineup for the next match. Neto, who joined Chelsea on loan from Manchester United, made a strong case for a first-half penalty but didn’t quite match the high standards he had set in his previous games for the Blues. Yet, his second-half performance was more dynamic, showcasing his direct play style and creating an impact on both wings.
Lampard voiced his support for Neto’s promotion to the starting lineup, emphasizing the difference Neto made when he came onto the field. Speaking with the Premier League’s official site, Lampard said, “Pedro Neto came on and made a significant impact. He’s likely earned himself a strong chance of starting the next game. I believe he should.”
Neto, who arrived at Chelsea over the summer in a high-profile transfer, is expected to feature in Chelsea’s upcoming Conference League game, and fans have high expectations for the Portuguese player if he can stay fit. Tony Cascarino praised him as a “fabulous” addition to the squad. While Neto will likely participate in Thursday’s European game, his focus will be on securing a regular starting role in the Premier League, as he is also considered a candidate for Chelsea’s lineup when they host Newcastle on Sunday.
