Pedro Neto singled out by Joe Cole as Chelsea's 'best player by a mile' in Champions League win

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Evening Standard

·1. Oktober 2025

Pedro Neto singled out by Joe Cole as Chelsea's 'best player by a mile' in Champions League win

Chelsea winger played a big part in the only goal of the game as Enzo Maresca’s side beat Benfica

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Pedro Neto is Chelsea’s “unsung hero”, according to club favourite Joe Cole.

Cole singled out the Chelsea No7 for special praise following the winger’s performance in the 1-0 win over Benfica on Tuesday night.

Neto was heavily involved in the only goal of the game at Stamford Bridge as it was his cross to the back post that found Alejandro Garnacho who then forced Richard Rios to turn the ball into his own net.

Discussing the Portugal international on TNT Sports after the Champions League game, Cole said: “Neto has been brilliant, he’s the unsung hero of this Chelsea team, the fans will tell you that.

“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.

“It was a decent performance from Chelsea, it wasn’t spectacular and I’ve seen them play better.

“But the most important thing was the result, they needed that win and now they can prepare for a massive game against Liverpool at the weekend.”

Fellow pundit Owen Hargreaves agreed with Cole on Neto, adding: “I thought he was Chelsea’s best player.

“He makes things happens, he’s so positive and explosive and quick. That’s the thing I like about him. It feels like Neto was the one creating a lot of the chances.

“Pedro Neto was by far the best player on the pitch. He was the star of the show for me.”