Pedro Neto is confident that he’s the quickest player in the Chelsea squad right now, but he’s named which teammate is second behind him.
Chelsea attacker Pedro Neto, who joined from Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer, is enjoying a decent debut season at Stamford Bridge.
Even though the 25-year-old speedster is still trying to hit top gear on a consistent basis, he’s already some important contributions to Enzo Maresca’s side.
Appearances Goals Assists
32 5 7
Pedro Neto’s Chelsea record across all competitions in the 2024/25 season
In recent weeks, the Portuguese winger has covered impressively as an emergency centre-forward. Incidentally, Neto admits he likes playing at striker, where he can do less running than normal.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Pedro Neto names Nicolas Jackson as Chelsea’s second-fastest player behind himself
During a segment on UEFA’s YouTube channel, Neto claimed he’s the quickest in the entire Blues squad. He did name teammate Nicolas Jackson, 23, as the runner-up, though.
When asked the most likely Chelsea player to win a 100m race, Neto said: “I would say it is between me and Nicolas Jackson. I would choose me. If I had to bet, I would bet on myself.”
Chelsea supporters haven’t been able to watch Jackson for the past month as he recovers from a hamstring problem, but everyone knows the central striker has great acceleration.
Pat Nevin said Jackson has “staggering pace” on the football pitch. Similarly, Darren Bent was amazed by Jackson’s speed last year during one performance.
MORE CHELSEA STORIES
In the absence of Jackson’s pace and movement in the final third, Neto has managed to plug the hole quite effectively in recent games.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
When Nicolas Jackson is expected back
Jackson hasn’t played for Chelsea since his injury on 3 February versus West Ham.
Despite the fact he wasn’t in the best of form before his injury interruption, his absence from the XI has been very noticeable. It’s been a great reminder to the fanbase what the Senegal international brings to the forward line as a complete package.
Appearnaces Goals Assists
24 9 5
Nicolas Jackson’s Chelsea record across all competitions in the 2024/25 season
Chelsea head coach Maresca provided a Jackson injury update last week by confirming the player is on track to return to fitness after the upcoming March international break.