Portuguese media praise Chelsea star, claim he gave Jose Mourinho his “biggest headache” | OneFootball

The Portuguese media were full of praise for Pedro Neto following Chelsea’s win against Benfica at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening.

The Blues ground out a much needed 1-0 win on Jose Mourinho’s return to west London to get their first points on the board in this season’s Champions League.

Chelsea were far from their best, but given the Blues had managed just one win in their last five game, all that mattered was returning to winning ways.

Portuguese media praise Pedro Neto

Enzo Maresca made a number of changes from the side which lost to Brighton, but Neto was one of a handful of players to maintain their place.

Neto was involved in the goal as his cross was cut back by Alejandro Garnacho, before Richard Rios turned the ball into his own net.

Neto was a constant threat for the Benfica defence. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Joe Cole hailed Neto as an “unsung hero” after the game, and the Portugal international has made an impressive start to the season.

Owen Hargreaves was equally impressed with Neto, and the Portuguese media also singled the Chelsea ace out for praise post game , and A Bola said:

“In what appeared to be a 4-3-3 attacking formation, Sudakov was more of a left winger than a number 10, with Aursnes pulling inside and Dahl having less freedom to run wide—it couldn’t have been any other way, as the Swedish defender clashed with the quality of Portuguese international Pedro Neto.

“The quality of the midfielders and especially Pedro Neto’s ability allowed Chelsea to gain some, but not excessive, advantage.

“Down the stretch, Pedro Neto continued to be the biggest headache for Benfica’s defenders.”

Enzo Maresca pleased with Alejandro Garnacho performance

Pedro Neto wasn’t the only wide player to be praised, with Maresca impressed by Garnacho’s performance on his first appearance at Stamford Bridge.

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The Argentine was involved in the goal, and Maresca believes he’s only going to get better with each game he plays.

Garnacho will need to show a lot of more, but in the appearances he’s made he’s shown glimpses and there’s definitely something to work with.