Enzo Maresca has to deploy ‘electric’ Chelsea player at striker against Brighton, he’ll be a nightmare for their defenders
Enzo Maresca has to deploy ‘electric’ Chelsea player at striker against Brighton, he’ll be a nightmare for their defenders
Enzo Maresca’s Crucial Striker Dilemma Ahead of Brighton Clash
As Chelsea prepares for their Premier League showdown against Brighton, all eyes are on Enzo Maresca and the pivotal decision he must make—who will lead the attack?
With Nicolas Jackson sidelined for several weeks due to injury and Marc Guiu also unavailable for the foreseeable future, Chelsea’s striking options have become increasingly limited. To further complicate matters, Maresca has ruled out deploying Deivid Washington, as the young Brazilian is expected to finalize a loan move to Santos.
Pedro Neto: The Ideal Choice to Lead the Line
Given these circumstances, Maresca’s best option is clear—Pedro Neto should spearhead Chelsea’s attack at the Amex.
Although Neto’s transition to life at Stamford Bridge had a slow start, his recent performances suggest he is hitting his stride. Former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy recently labeled him as ‘electric,’ and it’s easy to see why. Neto was a constant menace against Brighton in their recent FA Cup encounter, consistently troubling ex-Chelsea full-back Tariq Lamptey with his pace and directness.
The Portuguese winger thrives when given the freedom to charge at defenders, whether he is dribbling at full speed or making intelligent runs behind the opposition’s backline. A prime example of this was in the FA Cup fixture when Moisés Caicedo played a perfectly weighted pass to Christopher Nkunku, who unfortunately failed to capitalize on the opportunity.
Chelsea’s Potential Attacking Setup with Neto as Striker
If Maresca deploys Neto in a central role, the logical choice to replace him on the right flank would be Noni Madueke, who was benched for the previous cup match against Brighton. Meanwhile, Cole Palmer is expected to continue operating in a central playmaking role, allowing him to influence the game from deeper areas, much like he did last season.
On the left wing, Jadon Sancho appears to be the preferred starter. However, given his recent dip in form, Maresca might consider handing a Premier League debut to Tyrique George—a bold move that could inject fresh energy into Chelsea’s attack.
With so much at stake, Maresca’s decision in the final third could define Chelsea’s performance. If he opts for Neto as the main striker, he may just unlock a new attacking dimension capable of dismantling Brighton’s defense.
