Eden Hazard is the gold-standard when it comes to wingers to play for Chelsea, and Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has explained why he is not similar to Pedro Neto.
Gary Neville believes Neto will never reach Hazard’s levels, although remains a constant in the starting side for Chelsea under Liam Rosenior.
Martinez looks likely to take the Blues man to the 2026 World Cup, where he will be looking for international glory after failing to achieve the same at Belgium with Hazard.
Why has Alejandro Garnacho been such an unpopular signing? 🤯
TalkingPoints user on Alejandro Garnacho
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Roberto Martinez believes Pedro Neto is not similar to Eden Hazard
While Chelsea fans are hoping to see another version of their club legend in the current squad, Martinez told The Overlap that Neto’s strengths lie in his ability to work at pace, while Hazard benefitted from stopping the game before acting.
He said: “No [they are not similar]. Eden Hazard was someone who would stop the game, and find his 1v1. Neto is the opposite, he accelerates the game. They are different players.
Chelsea v Burnley - Premier League
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
“Pedro Neto can play on the right or the left. When he’s on the right, he can come inside onto his left foot, but it’s not going to be a slow action.
“Nothing really. It’s been a little bit of adapting to the number of games at Chelsea. Still young, still adapting, but if he is available to play three games a week, he will have an impact on every game. He is a vertical player, going to open the game up.
“I thought the game against PSG in the Club World Cup final, he was the main player to open the space to Palmer. His intensity is incredible.”
Neto was arguably the most underrated player of Chelsea’s triumphant Club World Cup campaign, with the headlines going to Palmer and Joao Pedro.
Morgan Rogers on the left, Cole Palmer in the No.10 and Estevao on the right 🤩
What do you make of that attack? 🔥
Morgan Rogers transfer rumour graphic
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Comparing Neto and Hazard’s stats for Chelsea
Hazard has obviously played plenty more games for Chelsea than Neto has so far, although the stats are very much in the Belgian’s favour.
The Belgian scored 110 goals in 352 games, assisting 88 goals to total a goal contribution every other game.
Neto on the other hand is closer to one goal contribution in every three games. He has 19 goals and 14 assists in 90 games, including a handful in the Conference League.
The Portuguese star is not popular with Blues fans at the moment, however what has been seen from the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens has suggested that he has to be on the teamsheet for the remainder of the season.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox