Enzo Maresca has discovered an electric talent in his Chelsea squad, with winger Pedro Neto rapidly establishing himself as a pivotal figure through his relentless work rate and match-winning contributions.
The Portugal international was instrumental in Chelsea's 2-0 victory over Burnley following the international break, scoring the opening goal and helping secure the team's seventh Premier League win of the season.
Neto's Match-Winning Impact
Neto broke the deadlock against Burnley with a perfectly timed header from a Jamie Gittens cross, demonstrating his sharp instincts in front of goal. This marked his fourth league goal of what has been an impressive campaign since joining from Wolves.
Goal.com awarded the winger an 8/10 rating for his performance, describing him as electric once again and noting he came close to doubling his tally when his second-half effort struck the post.
The Willian Comparison
Neto's style and contribution are drawing compelling parallels with former Chelsea favourite Willian. Both wingers are renowned for their nifty dribbling and superb work rate, often operating somewhat under the radar compared to their higher-profile teammates.
Former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard once highlighted Willian's value, emphasising his work ethic off the ball and creative contributions. Lampard noted in 2020: I place huge value on training and how players behave and work in training in the week.
Current boss Maresca appears to hold similar respect for Neto, recently praising the player's attitude: He's top, he's very humble and working hard. He's a very important player for us.
Building a Chelsea Legacy
As Chelsea prepares for a demanding schedule including Champions League clashes with FC Barcelona and a Premier League meeting with league leaders Arsenal, Neto's consistent performance levels will be crucial.
Former Fulham player Tom Cairney once argued that Willian never received the recognition he deserved during his Premier League career, overshadowed by teammates like Eden Hazard. Neto faces a similar challenge playing alongside headline-makers like Cole Palmer and big-money signings Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.
Yet with his current trajectory and unwavering commitment, Pedro Neto appears well on his way to becoming a Chelsea hero in his own right, potentially building a legacy that could mirror Willian's significant contribution to the club.
