Chelsea’s latest squad reshuffle has sparked excitement and anticipation among fans, with head coach Rúben Amorim making a bold tactical adjustment to navigate the absence of Cole Palmer. In a move that blends experience with raw talent, Pedro Neto will return to his natural position as the first-choice right winger, while teenage sensation Estêvão Willian is set to operate as an attacking midfielder. On the left, Alejandro Garnacho retains his place, completing an attacking trio that promises pace, flair, and unpredictability.
Pedro Neto Back Where He Belongs
For Pedro Neto, the adjustment is less of a gamble and more of a homecoming. The Portuguese winger has always looked most comfortable on the right, where his combination of explosive speed, direct dribbling, and ability to cut inside onto his stronger left foot causes endless problems for defenders.
During his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers, Neto built his reputation tormenting full-backs down that very flank. Chelsea’s decision to restore him to this role is designed to maximise his natural instincts. No longer tasked with adapting to positions that do not fully suit him, Neto now has the opportunity to showcase his best qualities consistently.
Amorim’s faith in Neto is not misplaced. At his peak, Neto is capable of stretching defences, delivering pinpoint crosses, and scoring goals of his own. His return to the right flank not only strengthens Chelsea’s attack but also provides balance, ensuring the team can threaten from both wings.
Estêvão Willian in a Central Role
The most intriguing aspect of this tactical change lies in the role handed to Estêvão Willian. At just 18 years old, the Brazilian has already attracted global attention for his dazzling skillset. Known for his dribbling, close control, and fearless approach, Estêvão has largely been deployed on the wing. But Amorim has decided to trust the teenager in a central attacking midfield role, effectively placing him at the creative heart of Chelsea’s attack.
This move is partly necessitated by Cole Palmer’s absence, but it is also a statement of faith in Estêvão’s intelligence and versatility. Operating as an attacking midfielder, he will be responsible not only for linking midfield to attack but also for unlocking defences with incisive passes. His natural flair for beating opponents can destabilise defensive blocks, while his ability to carry the ball through central spaces adds a dimension Chelsea sometimes lack when Palmer is unavailable.
The comparison to Vinícius Júnior is already well known, but this experiment in midfield could broaden Estêvão’s profile even further. If successful, it will highlight that he is not just a winger but a complete attacking talent capable of dictating games from multiple areas of the pitch.
Garnacho’s Influence on the Left
On the opposite wing, Alejandro Garnacho continues to cement his role as Chelsea’s first-choice left-sided attacker. Known for his aggression, trickery, and determination, the Argentine provides relentless energy down the flank. His ability to cut inside onto his stronger right foot creates goal-scoring opportunities, while his willingness to track back helps Amorim maintain defensive structure.
With Garnacho on the left and Neto on the right, Chelsea now boast two natural wide threats capable of stretching defences, opening pockets of space for Estêvão to exploit in central areas.
Adapting to Life Without Cole Palmer
While Chelsea fans eagerly await Cole Palmer’s recovery, Amorim’s reshuffle shows the manager’s willingness to trust both experienced players and youthful talents to carry the load. Palmer has been the team’s talisman this season, a player whose creativity and composure in key moments cannot be replaced easily. But instead of trying to replicate him directly, Amorim has opted to reimagine the structure, leaning on the strengths of others.
Neto brings directness, Garnacho adds fire, and Estêvão introduces unpredictability. Together, they form a front line that is different from Palmer’s style but no less threatening. The responsibility is now shared, and in some ways, this may even accelerate Estêvão’s development into a central figure in Chelsea’s long-term project.
The Tactical Benefits
- Balance on the Wings: With Neto and Garnacho occupying natural wide positions, Chelsea can stretch the pitch horizontally, forcing opponents to defend wider and creating central openings.
- Unpredictability Through the Middle: Estêvão’s dribbling and creativity in midfield make Chelsea less predictable, as opponents cannot simply focus on the wings.
- Fluid Transitions: Neto’s pace and Garnacho’s direct running allow Chelsea to counterattack with devastating effect, while Estêvão can serve as the link between midfield and attack.
- Development of Future Leaders: Trusting a teenager like Estêvão in such a central role demonstrates confidence in Chelsea’s youth-driven strategy, building a culture where talent is nurtured on the biggest stage.
The Risks
Of course, such changes are not without risks. Estêvão’s inexperience in central positions could be exposed against disciplined teams. Neto, while brilliant when fit, has endured injury setbacks in the past, raising concerns about consistency. And without Palmer’s calming influence, Chelsea will need to find leadership in other areas of the pitch.
Yet, these challenges are also opportunities. If Estêvão adapts quickly, he will grow into a more complete player. If Neto rediscovers his top form, he will become one of the league’s most feared right wingers again. And if the trio of Garnacho, Neto, and Estêvão clicks, Chelsea will have uncovered an attacking formula that can thrive even beyond Palmer’s return.
Looking Ahead
Chelsea’s identity under Rúben Amorim is becoming clearer: trust youth, maximise strengths, and never be afraid to experiment. Restoring Neto to his natural position and giving Estêvão the keys to the attacking midfield is bold, but it speaks to a manager who believes in his squad’s versatility.
For the supporters, this reshuffle brings intrigue and excitement. Seeing Garnacho terrorise defenders on the left, Neto reclaim dominance on the right, and Estêvão blossom in a central role could mark the beginning of a new chapter in Chelsea’s attacking evolution. And when Palmer eventually returns, Amorim will have an even richer set of options at his disposal.
