Following a heated and physically charged friendly in Mexico City, Chelsea attacker Pedro Neto has found himself under the microscope of the Portuguese press after his performance.
Pedro Neto‘s season has been stalled by a couple of minor injuries and disciplinary lapses. He’s been a productive asset at times when fit, recording five goals and four assists in the Premier League.
However, setbacks have seen him miss crucial stretches, including a significant period in November and a brief absence in early February, as well as Neto’s red card against Arsenal.
Despite this, Neto remains one of Chelsea‘s most direct threats, leading the team in progressive carries and successful dribbles. However, a recent dip in composure has drawn scrutiny.
And an incident during Portugal’s 0-0 draw with Mexico won’t have helped his cause.
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Frank Lampard and Cesc Fabregas
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Pedro Neto criticised for his altercation against Mexico
Portuguese outlet Record assessed the performances of the Portugal players, giving Bruno Fernandes the highest rating of four.
Neto was given a respectable rating of three, but they felt that he let himself down.
Pedro Neto (3)
‘He entered with desire and was balanced in the first minutes with a run on the right side of Portugal’s attack, something he did again at 90’+2, forcing the defense of the opposing goalkeeper. He was, however, with a tarnished performance after an ‘ugly’ exchange of arguments with Gallardo.’
The incident saw Pedro Neto lock heads with the Mexico player out of nowhere, and seemingly tried to pull him down, which saw him somehow escape a red card.
PROVE ME WRONG: Pedro Neto is becoming a liability and he must be sold 😡
The Arsenal red card, the ballboy, and now this!
Chelsea’s discipline is letting Liam Rosenior down
By late March, the Blues have already accumulated nine red cards across all competitions, ten including former coach Enzo Maresca’s dismissal.
This trend has directly cost Rosenior points in the race for Champions League qualification, most notably during recent defeats, including against Burnley and Arsenal.
Fed up with avoidable dismissals, Rosenior has publicly demanded a culture of accountability, even threatening to drop star players who cannot control their temperament.
Rosenior hasn’t helped himself at times, but the players need to play their own part too.
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