The 2025/26 season represents a pivotal chapter in Chelsea Football Club’s ongoing reconstruction under the ownership of Todd Boehly. Following a turbulent campaign that saw managerial changes—including Enzo Maresca, a brief interim spell, and the appointment of Calum Macfarland as interim manager—the attacking unit has undergone significant transformation. With a squad valued among the most expensive in Premier League history and a relatively young average age, Chelsea’s forward line is a blend of high-profile acquisitions, emerging academy talents, and established internationals. This article provides a detailed profile of six key attacking players: Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Estevao Willian, Alejandro Garnacho, and Pedro Neto, examining their roles, stylistic attributes, and potential contributions within Macfarland’s tactical framework.
The Tactical Context: Macfarland’s Attacking Philosophy
Calum Macfarland’s appointment brought a shift in Chelsea’s offensive approach. The interim manager has emphasized a fluid, high-pressing system that prioritizes vertical transitions and positional interchange among the forward line. Unlike the possession-heavy style under Maresca, Macfarland’s setup relies on rapid counter-attacks and exploiting space behind defensive lines. This tactical evolution directly influences how each forward is deployed and evaluated.
For a detailed analysis of Macfarland’s formation and tactical principles, refer to our dedicated piece on Chelsea Tactical Formation Macfarland 2026. The system typically operates in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 shape, with the central striker acting as a focal point while wide attackers cut inside or stretch the pitch. The midfield pivot, anchored by Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, provides the platform for these forwards to operate.
Liam Delap: The Physical Focal Point
Liam Delap’s arrival at Stamford Bridge has been one of the most discussed transfers of the summer window. The young striker, formerly of Manchester City’s academy, brings a profile that Chelsea has lacked in recent seasons: a traditional number nine with exceptional physical presence, aerial dominance, and hold-up play.
Stylistic Profile and Strengths
Delap’s game is built around his powerful frame and explosive strength. He excels in receiving long balls, shielding defenders, and bringing midfield runners into play. His movement in the penalty area is instinctive, often making late runs to the near post or peeling off to the back post for crosses. In Macfarland’s system, Delap is expected to serve as the primary outlet for vertical passes from Caicedo and Fernandez, allowing Chelsea to bypass opposition presses.
His finishing from inside the box is reliable, though his range outside the area remains a work in progress. Delap’s pressing intensity is high, fitting Macfarland’s demand for a striker who leads the defensive line. However, his injury record—a concern from his time at City and subsequent loan spells—requires careful management.
Role in the 2025/26 Squad
Delap is likely to be a key option as the central striker, particularly in matches where Chelsea needs a physical presence against deep-lying defenses. His partnership with Joao Pedro, who often drops deeper, could create a complementary dynamic. The challenge for Macfarland is ensuring Delap receives consistent service from wide areas, where Garnacho and Neto provide crossing threats.
Joao Pedro: The Creative False Nine
Joao Pedro’s profile differs markedly from Delap’s, offering Chelsea a more fluid, link-up oriented option in attack. The Brazilian forward, signed from Brighton & Hove Albion, has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most intelligent attackers, capable of operating as a false nine, second striker, or attacking midfielder.
Stylistic Profile and Strengths
Joao Pedro’s primary asset is his ability to drop between the lines, receive the ball to feet, and turn defenders with quick, agile movements. His vision and passing range allow him to create chances for runners from midfield, particularly Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez. In the 2024/25 season, Joao Pedro recorded a notable number of assists and key passes, underlining his creative contribution.
His finishing is clinical from close range, though he is not a prolific scorer from distance. Joao Pedro’s pressing is intelligent rather than relentless; he reads defensive triggers well but may not match Delap’s intensity over 90 minutes. Macfarland has used him in a deeper role during pre-season, allowing Palmer to push higher.
For a comprehensive breakdown of Joao Pedro’s attacking contribution, see our analysis on Joao Pedro Attacking Contribution 2025/26.
Role in the 2025/26 Squad
Joao Pedro is expected to feature prominently in matches where Chelsea faces compact defenses, as his ability to find pockets of space is invaluable. He may also rotate with Delap depending on the opposition, with Macfarland favoring Joao Pedro’s creativity against teams that sit deep. His partnership with Estevao and Garnacho in wide areas could be particularly effective, as both wingers prefer to cut inside.
Estevao Willian: The Brazilian Prodigy
Estevao Willian, often referred to as Messinho during his youth career, arrived at Chelsea with immense expectations. The young winger, signed from Palmeiras, is widely regarded as one of the most talented young players in world football. His technical ability, dribbling, and flair make him a unique asset in Chelsea’s attack.
Stylistic Profile and Strengths
Estevao is a left-footed right winger who thrives on cutting inside onto his stronger foot. His close control, acceleration, and ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations are exceptional. He possesses a powerful shot from distance and is a threat from set-pieces. In Macfarland’s system, Estevao is likely to operate as an inverted winger, drifting into central areas to combine with Palmer and Joao Pedro.
His vision and passing are advanced for his age, though decision-making in the final third can be inconsistent. Defensive work rate is an area for development, as Estevao’s natural inclination is to stay high and wait for transitions. Macfarland has emphasized the need for all forwards to contribute defensively, which may require Estevao to adapt his game.
Role in the 2025/26 Squad
Estevao is expected to be a rotational option on the right wing, competing with Pedro Neto for starts. His explosive potential makes him a game-changer off the bench, but his long-term development will depend on regular minutes. The club views him as a future star, and his progress will be closely monitored throughout the season.
Alejandro Garnacho: The Direct Wide Threat
Alejandro Garnacho’s move from Manchester United to Chelsea added a direct, aggressive dimension to the attack. The Argentine winger is known for his pace, dribbling, and willingness to take on defenders, making him a constant threat in transition.
Stylistic Profile and Strengths
Garnacho operates primarily from the left wing, where he can cut inside onto his right foot or drive to the byline for crosses. His acceleration over short distances is elite, and he is effective in one-on-one situations. Garnacho’s finishing from wide areas is improving, with a tendency to shoot early when cutting inside. His pressing is energetic, fitting Macfarland’s demands for high-intensity work off the ball.
However, Garnacho’s decision-making can be erratic, with a tendency to hold onto the ball too long or attempt low-percentage shots. His defensive positioning is sometimes suspect, leaving the left-back exposed in transitional moments. Macfarland has worked on improving Garnacho’s tactical discipline during pre-season.
Role in the 2025/26 Squad
Garnacho is likely to be a key option on the left wing, with his direct style complementing the more creative profiles of Palmer and Joao Pedro. His partnership with left-back Marc Cucurella or Ben Chilwell could be productive, as Garnacho’s dribbling draws defenders, creating space for overlapping runs. He will also be a key option in counter-attacking setups, particularly away from home against top-six sides.
Pedro Neto: The Versatile Wide Operator
Pedro Neto’s arrival from Wolverhampton Wanderers brought a different skill set to Chelsea’s attack. The Portuguese winger is known for his versatility, capable of playing on either flank or as a wing-back. His technical quality and crossing ability make him a valuable asset in Macfarland’s system.
Stylistic Profile and Strengths
Neto is a two-footed winger who can deliver dangerous crosses from either side, making him a threat from wide areas. His dribbling is less explosive than Garnacho’s but more controlled, allowing him to retain possession under pressure. Neto’s defensive work rate is excellent, often tracking back to support his full-back. He is also a capable finisher from inside the box, particularly when arriving late at the back post.
Injury concerns have plagued Neto’s career, limiting his availability in previous seasons. However, when fit, he is a reliable performer who understands tactical instructions. Macfarland has used Neto on both wings during pre-season, with a preference for deploying him on the right to utilize his crossing ability.
Role in the 2025/26 Squad
Neto is expected to share minutes with Estevao on the right wing, with his experience and tactical intelligence giving him an edge in big matches. His ability to play as a wing-back in a 3-4-3 formation adds tactical flexibility, allowing Macfarland to switch systems during games. Neto’s crossing will be crucial for Delap’s aerial threat, making him a key provider.
Comparative Analysis: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Roles
The following table summarizes the key attributes and projected roles of the six forwards in Chelsea’s 2025/26 attack under Macfarland.
| Player | Primary Position | Key Strengths | Key Weaknesses | Expected Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liam Delap | Central Striker | Physical presence, aerial ability, hold-up play | Injury history, limited range of finishing | Key striker option, focal point |
| Joao Pedro | False Nine / Second Striker | Creativity, link-up play, vision | Less prolific scorer, pressing intensity | Creative option, deep-lying forward |
| Estevao Willian | Right Winger | Dribbling, acceleration, shooting | Defensive work rate, decision-making | Rotational winger, impact sub |
| Alejandro Garnacho | Left Winger | Pace, direct dribbling, finishing | Decision-making, defensive positioning | Key left winger option |
| Pedro Neto | Right Winger / Wing-back | Crossing, versatility, defensive work rate | Injury history, less explosive | Rotational winger, tactical option |
Tactical Combinations and Potential Formations
Macfarland’s system allows for several attacking combinations, depending on the opposition and match context. A possible starting front three in a 4-2-3-1 shape could feature Garnacho on the left, Palmer as the central attacking midfielder, and Neto or Estevao on the right, with Delap leading the line. In matches requiring more creativity, Joao Pedro could replace Delap, with Palmer shifting to a wider role.
In a 4-3-3 setup, the midfield trio of Caicedo, Fernandez, and Palmer would support a front three of Garnacho, Delap, and Neto. This formation maximizes width and crossing, suiting Delap’s aerial strengths. Against stronger opponents, Macfarland may opt for a 3-4-3, with Neto as a wing-back and Garnacho and Palmer operating as inside forwards.
The flexibility of these profiles gives Macfarland multiple tactical avenues, though integrating six forwards into a coherent system remains a challenge. The lack of a clear hierarchy in certain positions could lead to rotation, which may affect rhythm and chemistry.
Risks and Considerations
While Chelsea’s attacking depth is enviable, several risks warrant attention. Injury records for Delap, Neto, and Joao Pedro are concerning, as all three have missed significant periods in recent seasons. The club’s reliance on young players—Estevao and Garnacho—carries inherent inconsistency, particularly in high-pressure matches. The managerial instability, with Macfarland appointed only recently, adds uncertainty to tactical cohesion.
Additionally, the integration of multiple new signings requires time, and the Premier League offers no grace period. The attacking unit must develop chemistry quickly, particularly in the final third, where Chelsea struggled in the previous season. The midfield partnership of Caicedo and Fernandez will be crucial in providing the platform for these forwards to thrive.
Chelsea’s attack for the 2025/26 season is a fascinating blend of physicality, creativity, and youthful exuberance. Liam Delap offers a traditional focal point, Joao Pedro provides tactical intelligence, Estevao and Garnacho bring flair and directness, and Pedro Neto adds versatility and crossing quality. Under Calum Macfarland’s interim stewardship, the tactical framework is designed to maximize these attributes, though questions remain about consistency, injury resilience, and long-term planning.
The success of this forward line will depend on Macfarland’s ability to create a cohesive system, the midfield’s capacity to supply chances, and the players’ adaptation to the Premier League’s demands. For Chelsea fans, the potential is undeniable, but the path to unlocking it is fraught with challenges. As the season unfolds, these six profiles will be central to the club’s pursuit of silverware and a return to the upper echelons of English football.
Transfer and lineup information is speculative and subject to change; always verify with official Chelsea FC communications. FPL advice is opinion only — no guarantees of points or results.