Pride of London’s Chelsea Player of the Month for February 2025

Chelsea’s form since the turn of the year has been on a downward trajectory, and February only compounded their struggles. Already grappling with an injury crisis, the Blues suffered further setbacks as both Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu were forced off with injuries in the early-February clash against West Ham United.

The month proved to be a difficult one, with Chelsea crashing out of the FA Cup and faltering in the Premier League, where their top-four ambitions took a hit. Across all competitions, Enzo Maresca’s side managed just two wins while suffering three defeats.

Selecting a Player of the Month from such an inconsistent spell is no easy task, particularly given Chelsea’s lackluster performances. Their back-to-back defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup and Premier League saw them register just one shot on target across 180+ minutes of football, leaving little in the way of positives. However, signs of encouragement emerged in the final two games of the month, with Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández standing out as Chelsea’s most influential performers.

For Pride of London’s Chelsea Player of the Month for February 2025, the accolade goes to Pedro Neto, who edges out Fernández. Neto made a significant impact in Chelsea’s attack, registering a goal and two assists while operating in an unfamiliar center-forward role under Enzo Maresca.

Naturally a winger, the Portuguese international adapted impressively to his new responsibilities, leading the line with energy and intelligence. His direct running, off-the-ball movement, and ability to stretch defenses provided Chelsea with a much-needed attacking spark.

Neto’s movement proved to be a game-changer. Against Brighton, Chelsea’s attack lacked fluidity, with Christopher Nkunku and Cole Palmer struggling to make incisive runs. In contrast, Neto’s ability to stretch defenses created space for teammates to exploit.

This was evident against Aston Villa, where his intelligent movement in wide areas set up Fernández for the opener. Additionally, against Southampton, his off-the-ball runs unsettled the opposition’s backline, allowing Chelsea’s midfield runners to push forward and influence the game.

The 24-year-old’s dynamic style of play benefited multiple facets of Chelsea’s attack. While not a traditional target man, his pace, dribbling ability, and link-up play added a different dimension to the forward line. His interplay with Nkunku and Palmer created chances, and though Palmer endured a rare dip in form, Nkunku capitalized by assisting Neto’s goal against Southampton to set up a 4-0 victory.

Despite Chelsea’s inconsistency, results elsewhere worked in their favor. Newcastle United’s defeat to Liverpool, Bournemouth’s loss to Brighton, and Aston Villa’s shocking 4-1 defeat to Crystal Palace ensured that Chelsea remained in contention for a Champions League spot. As it stands, the Blues sit in fifth place, just two points behind third-placed Nottingham Forest.

With Jackson sidelined, Neto’s adaptation to a central role offers a compelling alternative for Chelsea’s attack. If he can maintain his form, he may prove to be an essential asset in the club’s push for a top-four finish in the weeks ahead