What Did Gary Neville Say About the £90 Million Chelsea Duo?

In a recent analysis, football pundit Gary Neville has offered a critical assessment of Chelsea's summer signings, João Pedro and Liam Delap, who together cost the club £90 million. While Pedro has made a promising start with two goals and three assists in his first five matches, Neville argues that both players fall short compared to their Premier League counterparts, including Liverpool's Alexander Isak and Manchester City's Erling Haaland.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• João Pedro and Liam Delap were signed for a combined £90 million, with Pedro costing £60 million and Delap £30 million.
• Pedro has started well with two goals and three assists, while Delap is sidelined due to injury.
• Gary Neville believes Chelsea's strikers are not on par with top talents like Haaland, Isak, and Ekitike.
• Jamie Carragher highlights defensive weaknesses as a major concern for Chelsea's title ambitions.
• Chelsea's next matches include a Carabao Cup tie against Lincoln City and a Premier League clash with Brighton.

Analysis of Chelsea's Summer Signings

Chelsea's investment in João Pedro and Liam Delap this summer has drawn mixed reactions. The club spent £90 million in total, with Pedro arriving from Brighton for £60 million and Delap from Ipswich Town for £30 million. The expectation was that both would compete for a key role in the team under manager Enzo Maresca.

Pedro has quickly made an impact, scoring two goals and assisting three times in his first five Premier League matches. His early performances have painted him as a promising addition to Chelsea's attacking options. However, Delap's situation is less favourable as he is currently recovering from a hamstring injury, which has limited his contributions to the squad.

Gary Neville's Verdict

Gary Neville, a prominent football pundit and former defender, has voiced his concerns regarding Chelsea's striking options. In a recent episode of The Gary Neville Podcast, he expressed doubts about the quality of Pedro and Delap when compared to other top forwards in the league. He stated, “For all the money that they’ve spent, and I know they’ve got good players, he’s got Delap and João Pedro, who’s a good player. But they’re still not at that level, where you think that they’re nothing like Haaland, or Isak or even Ekitike for that matter.”

Neville's comments highlight a growing concern that Chelsea's attacking depth may not be sufficient to compete with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool. He specifically mentioned that Erling Haaland's current form, with six goals in five games, sets a high standard that Chelsea's new signings have yet to reach.

Comparison with Premier League Rivals

The comparison Neville draws is telling. Erling Haaland, who has consistently demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess, scored 36 goals last season for Manchester City, while Alexander Isak netted 23 goals for Newcastle United before moving to Liverpool in a record-breaking £125 million deal. Hugo Ekitike, another young talent, has already made a significant impact since his £79 million transfer to Liverpool, contributing to four goal involvements in just five matches.

This raises an important question: Can Chelsea's strikers evolve into the elite forwards that the club needs to challenge for titles? While Pedro shows promise, the club’s hefty investment must yield results to justify the expenditure.

Defensive Concerns Highlighted by Jamie Carragher

While Neville focused on Chelsea's attacking options, fellow pundit Jamie Carragher turned his attention to the defensive side of the game. Carragher expressed concerns about Chelsea’s goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez, and the current central defensive options, including Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana. He believes these weaknesses could hinder Chelsea's chances of competing for the Premier League title.

Carragher stated, “I think some Chelsea fans think I’ve got it in for them but I think the manager has actually done a brilliant job since he’s come in. My criticism with Chelsea is that the three-and-a-half years the owners have been there and they have that team, we’re sat here saying they’ve got no chance for the league and Chelsea fans know that too.”

His assessment underscores a broader issue within the club. Despite significant financial investment, Chelsea has struggled to find the right balance within the squad. This has raised doubts about whether they can mount a serious title challenge under Maresca's management.

Recent Performance and Upcoming Matches

Chelsea's recent form has seen them suffer setbacks, including a 2-1 defeat against Manchester United in their last outing. This result further compounded the frustrations of supporters and analysts alike, who are questioning the club's direction given the resources that have been poured into the squad.

Looking ahead, Chelsea will face Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. A victory in this cup tie would provide a much-needed boost to morale. Following that, they will face Brighton at Stamford Bridge in a crucial Premier League clash on Saturday. The outcome of these matches could be pivotal for Chelsea’s season as they aim to regain confidence and momentum.

The Importance of Squad Depth

The discussions surrounding Chelsea's recent signings highlight a crucial aspect of modern football: squad depth. Competing in multiple competitions requires not just a strong starting XI but also quality substitutes who can step in seamlessly when needed. Chelsea's inability to secure a second reliable striker in the transfer window, particularly with Delap's injury, could prove costly as the season progresses.

Furthermore, the potential impact of Pedro’s performance cannot be overstated. As he continues to adapt to the demands of the Premier League, his development will be essential for Chelsea’s attacking strategy. The club must also ensure that they have adequate backup options should injuries arise, especially as they navigate a packed fixture schedule.

What’s Next for Chelsea?

Moving forward, Chelsea needs to focus on several key areas to improve their standing in the league. Addressing defensive frailties should be a priority, as Carragher highlighted. Strengthening the backline will be essential if they are to compete effectively against title contenders.

Moreover, the club’s management will need to assess whether their current attacking options are sufficient. As the season unfolds, it may become necessary for Chelsea to explore additional signings in January to bolster their squad, especially if Pedro or Delap struggles to maintain form or fitness.

Conclusion

The evaluation of Chelsea's summer signings, João Pedro and Liam Delap, reveals a complex picture. While Pedro has made a bright start, concerns remain regarding the overall quality of the squad, particularly in comparison to top rivals. With pundits like Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher highlighting both attacking and defensive weaknesses, Chelsea has work to do if they are to be serious contenders in the Premier League this season.

As the team prepares for upcoming matches, supporters will be watching closely to see how the new signings develop and how the squad adapts to the challenges ahead. Can Chelsea find the right balance to compete for titles, or will they continue to fall short of expectations? The answers will unfold as the season progresses.

FAQs

How much did Chelsea spend on João Pedro and Liam Delap?

Chelsea spent a combined total of £90 million on João Pedro, who cost £60 million from Brighton, and Liam Delap, who was signed for £30 million from Ipswich Town.

What has been João Pedro's performance so far at Chelsea?

João Pedro has made a positive impact at Chelsea, scoring two goals and providing three assists in his first five Premier League games.

What did Gary Neville say about Chelsea's strikers?

Gary Neville expressed concerns that Chelsea's strikers, including Pedro and Delap, are not at the same level as top forwards like Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak.

What are Jamie Carragher's views on Chelsea's defence?

Jamie Carragher believes Chelsea's defensive issues, particularly with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and centre-backs like Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana, could prevent them from challenging for the Premier League title.

What are Chelsea's upcoming fixtures?

Chelsea's next matches include a Carabao Cup game against Lincoln City and a Premier League fixture against Brighton at Stamford Bridge.