Chelsea are just three games away from winning the Club World Cup and adding more silverware to their impressive first under Enzo Maresca.
The Blues have already been crowned Conference League champions alongside returning to the Champions League for the 2025/26 campaign, however have not been able to rest yet.
Maresca has admitted he has needed to rotate his players in the United States, with extreme weather conditions playing a part in the tournament.
Chelsea’s 4-1 win over Benfica in the Round of 16 was overshadowed by a two-hour delay to proceedings due to thunder and lightning. Cole Palmer was bemused at the situation, just like many other players were.
When they came back they were forced to go through extra time, where goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall put the game beyond doubt.
Chelsea players celebrate Pedro Neto's goal during Benfica SL v Chelsea FC: Round Of 16 - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Steph Chambers – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Pedro Neto the best performing player at the Club World Cup
The Portuguese star stayed composed to fire home his third goal of the competition on the counter attack, and has made himself one of the first names on the teamsheet out in the States.
His performances seemed to catch the eye of Bruno Lage before the Blues faced the Portuguese side. The Benfica manager described Neto as one of the best in the world before their meeting.
His displays at the Club World Cup have left it hard to disagree with him. In fact, according to WhoScored, Neto has been the best performing player in the competition so far.
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He will be looking to keep his excellent goalscoring record up when the Blues take on Palmeiras in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Pedro Neto enters the field ahead of Benfica SL v Chelsea FC: Round Of 16 - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Heuler Andrey/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Neto facing yet more competition for places
One of their opponents at the weekend, Estevao Willian, is set to join the Blues at the conclusion of the tournament, and provide competition for the wingers in the squad.
As well as that, Chelsea are expected to announce the additions of Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro in the coming days, with Pedro to join the players at the Club World Cup.
Both are going to be expecting minutes when they arrive at Stamford Bridge, putting pressure on those already at the club to perform.
However, Neto’s performances are showing to Maresca that he should be one of the shoo-ins for a role, as the Italian faces a nice headache next season.