“‘I think he came on and added a lot” - Frank Lampard urges Enzo Maresca to start 'dynamic' Chelsea star following Liverpool defeat
Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has lavished praise on Pedro Neto after his display against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, October 20. The Englishman has urged Blues boss Enzo Maresca to give him a place in his starting lineup from here on.
The Blues locked horns with the Merseysiders in a Premier League clash at Anfield this weekend. Mohamed Salah took the lead within the first half-hour after scoring a penalty. Nicolas Jackson scored the equalizer shortly after the second period commenced via Moises Caciedo's assist. However, the Blues failed to keep things level as Curtis Jones scored Liverpool's second just three minutes later.
Neto replaced Jadon Sancho at half-time and put on a strong attacking display, creating three chances. However, Chelsea couldn't find the equalizer as Arne Slot's side secured a 2-1 victory.
Analyzing the game on Premier League Productions, Lampard lauded Neto for his performance, insisting that he deserves a spot in the starting XI. The former Chelsea midfielder said (via Metro):
"I think Pedro Neto came on and added a lot, I think he probably pushed himself into a big chance of starting the next games going forward. I think he should, I think he’s dynamic and he changed it a bit from up there."
He added:
"But they’re probably lacking that little bit of an edge at the top end of the pitch really, some good stuff for them there but in the end they’ll go home disappointed because at least you get something when you play like that."
The Blues will next face Greek outfit Panathinaikos in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Thursday, October 24.
"‘It’s always disappointing" - Frank Lampard says 'game-changer' Chelsea star didn't have 'his moments' against Liverpool
Frank Lampard feels Chelsea's outstanding performers struggled to make a major impact against Liverpool on Sunday. The Englishman highlighted Cole Palmer's display in particular.
Palmer has had an excellent start to the season, carrying over his form from last term. The former Manchester City forward has already recorded six goals and five assists in Chelsea's first eight league fixtures so far.
However, he struggled to showcase his true abilities against Liverpool, registering just four touches in the opposition box. Lampard said of the Blues' overall performance:
"It’s always disappointing when you feel like you probably done some good things in the game and the other team, someone with the quality of Liverpool aren’t at their best, but you don’t come away with anything."
He added on Palmer:
"And maybe at the top end of the pitch, the game-changers we’ve seen, particularly Cole Palmer, didn’t really have their moments when you felt that they might do."
Chelsea dropped down to sixth in the Premier League table and sit seven points behind leaders Liverpool.