Pedro Neto is one of Chelsea’s star wingers, with the 25-year-old really proving himself at the Club World Cup.
Neto scored three goals in six outings as the Blues went on to win the competition. WhoScored named Neto in their Team of the Tournament, so his performances did not go unnoticed.
In the past, Chelsea have had other talented wingers like Eden Hazard, Willian and Arjen Robben.
Neto has now included one of those names in his all-time favourite XI, which also features the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Photo by Carl Recine – FIFA/FIFA via Getty ImagesPedro Neto names Eden Hazard in all-time favourite XI
Many would consider Hazard as Chelsea’s greatest ever winger, so it is no surprise that Neto has included the Belgian in his all-time favourite XI.
Explaining why he chose Hazard to Chelsea’s official club website, the Portuguese said: “I liked the way he entertained people. He didn’t need flashy tricks — the way he played with the ball, his dribbling, his movement, the way he went past people, it was unbelievable. It was enjoyable when he had the ball.
“People would think ‘what is happening now?’ It was so natural to him. In the Premier League, the toughest league in the world, he made it look easy. That’s remarkable. You don’t see many players getting past four or five players like that. With the toughness of the defenders here in the Premier League. Sometimes it seemed easy for him.”
Chelsea legend John Terry also discussed Hazard briefly last month. The retired central defender was speaking about the Blues’ transfer policy and claimed that the club would not be signing a player like Hazard any time soon because of it.
Enzo Maresca at least has Cole Palmer, who can be very Hazard-esque at times. It was his two goals that gave Chelsea a 2-0 lead against Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final.
Photo by Craig Mercer – CameraSport via Getty ImagesPedro Neto’s all-time favourite XI in full
As mentioned earlier, Neto also included Messi and Ronaldo in his team of his favourite ever players. There was also room for compatriots Rui Patricio, Nelson Semedo, Ruben Dias and Pepe.
PostionPlayerGoalkeeperRui PatricioRight-backNelson SemedoCentre-backRuben DiasCentre-backPepeLeft-backMarceloDefensive midfielderSergio BusquetsCentral midfielderAndres IniestaCentral midfielderLionel MessiRight wingerEden HazardStrikerCristiano RonaldoLeft wingerNeymarPedro Neto’s all-time favourite XI via Chelsea’s official club website
It is definitely not a bad team! There is probably not a defence in world football that could stop that midfield and attack from scoring.
If Neto continues to shine like how he did in the US, then maybe he will be in someone else’s all-time favourite XI in the future.
The above would also be good news for Chelsea, of course, who will be looking to build on an excellent campaign next season.