Roberto Martinez says £54m Chelsea star can reach another level ahead of Arsenal clash | Football

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Roberto Martinez indicated that Pedro Neto has the potential to become a consistently influential player for Chelsea, following his £54m transfer from Wolves in 2024. Despite scoring 19 goals in 89 appearances, Neto has not netted in the Premier League since early December. Chelsea currently sits fifth in the league ahead of a crucial match against Arsenal.

Roberto Martinez believes Pedro Neto can reach another level and become a consistently ‘influential’ player for Chelsea. Martinez, the national manager of Portugal, made these comments recently as he highlighted Neto’s potential impact following a series of performances since his £54 million move from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2024.

Neto has scored 19 goals in 89 appearances for Chelsea, with three of those goals coming in the recent FA Cup victory over Hull City. However, he has not found the net in the Premier League since early December, prompting discussions about his ongoing adaptation to playing at a high level.

Manager discusses player development

Martinez acknowledged that Neto, at 25 years of age, is still “adapting” to the demands of Chelsea, particularly given the rigorous schedule of playing every three days. He stated, “He’s been adapting to the number of games Chelsea play because a game every three days is tough for him. He’s still young and he had a big injury when he was younger.” Martinez expressed confidence that once Neto adjusts to playing regularly, he will have a significant influence in matches.

Martinez also praised Neto’s playing style, noting his ability to “open the game up,” which was evident during a key moment in the Club World Cup final. He contrasted Neto’s approach with that of Chelsea legend Eden Hazard, saying, “Pedro Neto is the opposite, he will accelerate the game.”

Upcoming fixtures critical for Chelsea

Neto contributed to Chelsea’s successes last season, helping them qualify for the Champions League and lift the Conference League trophy, as well as winning the Club World Cup. Currently, Chelsea sit fifth in the Premier League, three points behind fourth-placed Manchester United, ahead of their London derby against league leaders Arsenal this weekend.

Former player Paul Merson has voiced concerns about Chelsea’s defensive abilities ahead of this crucial match, emphasising that they cannot afford to “park the bus” as they did in the Carabao Cup semi-finals against Arsenal. He underscored that Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures, particularly against Arsenal, will be a huge challenge.