Pedro Neto has been told he will “never be Eden Hazard” after what was described as a “bloody frustrating” display in Chelsea’s draw with Manchester City.
The winger was unable to make the decisive impact many hoped for as Chelsea went toe-to-toe with the champions, but the contest ended without a winner. Neto’s performance became a talking point afterwards, with criticism aimed at his end product and overall influence in the final third.
Former Chelsea forward Tony Cascarino did not hold back when discussing the Portuguese wide man, insisting comparisons with club icon Hazard are misplaced. “He’s never going to be Eden Hazard,” Cascarino said, branding Neto’s showing “bloody frustrating” and suggesting Chelsea are still missing the kind of match-winner Hazard so often was.
Neto, who has been asked to provide more spark and cutting edge in attack, had moments where he looked capable of troubling City, but he could not consistently turn promising positions into clear chances or goals. That inconsistency, Cascarino argued, is what separates him from the very best.
The draw leaves Chelsea with positives to take from a strong performance against elite opposition, but the debate around their attacking quality continues, with Neto now under the spotlight after a night that ended level.
