Joe Cole hails “brilliant” player as Chelsea’s “unsung hero” following Benfica win | OneFootball

Joe Cole has heaped praise on “unsung hero” Pedro Neto after Chelsea beat Benfica at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League.

The Blues ground out a much needed three points thanks to a 1-0 win courtesy of a Richard Rios own goal on Jose Mourinho’s return to west London.

Having lost two of the previous three games it was important Chelsea responded , and even though it wasn’t pretty Enzo Maresca’s men got the job done.

Joe Cole praises Pedro Neto

Maresca made several changes from Saturday’s defeat to Brighton, with Benoit Badiashile, Malo Gusto, Facundo Bunoanotte, Tyrique George and Alejandro Garnacho all handed starts.

Chelsea were far from their best as Benfica created a number of opportunities in the opening half, but they lacked that killer instinct in front of goal.

Neto put in an impressive performance against Benfica. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

The Blues didn’t create much themselves, but the goal came after a brilliant cross from Neto, with Garnacho cutting the ball back, and Rios sent the ball into his own net as he was running back.

The one negative on the night was a late red card for Joao Pedro as he picked up two bookings, making it three red cards in the last four games.

Despite an unconvincing performance, former Blue Cole singled out Neto for praise and hailed him as an “unsung hero.”

“Neto has been brilliant, he’s the unsung hero of this Chelsea team, the fans will tell you that,” he told TNT Sports.

“He delivers and is always positive. He’s been Chelsea’s best player tonight. He’s a bright spark very consistent.

“He’s fast becoming a fans’ favourites at Stamford Bridge. He was Chelsea’s best player tonight by a mile.”

Chelsea wingers need to step up

Neto was hailed as one of the best wingers in the world by Mourinho before the game, and Chelsea’s other wingers need to start improving their performance levels.

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Garnacho wasn’t bad, but again he needs to start showing more, as does Jamie Gittens, who at this point looks a long way off the level required.

Estevao looked really bright when he came on, and the 18-year-old already looks more ready than the likes of Gittens and Garnacho, and should be handed a start against Liverpool.