Joe Cole and Rio Ferdinand heap praise on Pedro Neto for something he did really well in Chelsea’s win vs Southampton, has nothing to do with goal or assist

Add as preferred source on Google

Pedro Neto impressed once again as a striker in Chelsea’s comprehensive win over Southampton.

The pressure has been building around Chelsea because their form has been extremely up and down in 2025 so far. Therefore, they produced a timely 4-0 victory at home to Southampton on Friday night.

Enzo Maresca, the Chelsea manager, watched his side pick up three points in the Premier League to lift them up to fourth in the division table.

The Blues desperately need to try put together a winning run in their upcoming league fixtures to cement their spot in the Champions League positions.

Pedro Neto, who’s a winger by trade, has covered as an emergency No 9 in the last couple of matches. He’s looked really effective in the new position, too.

Levi Colwill thought Neto starred against Southampton after he scored and assisted in the league win.

• READ MORE: Pedro Neto shines with an 8/10 in the Chelsea player ratings versus Southampton

Joe Cole and Rio Ferdinand notice Pedro Neto’s strength

Even though Neto’s got a small build, he caught the eye of both Joe Cole and Rio Ferdinand for the way he used his body so effectively against Southampton.

The 24-year-old caused havoc for the Saints defence with his movement, plus he produced some great moments where he spun the opposition defender on the halfway line.

“I think there could be a role with him (Neto) as a number nine because he was really strong. I think centrally, he was really strong with his back to goal, rolling players. That’s really difficult,” Cole told TNT Sports 1 (10:28pm, 25 February).

Ferdinand then added: “He (Neto) was happy for the contact. If you’re going to come up against big burly centre-halves being a wide player you’d say you want to play away from that, but he was very good at that. I thought today he got better and better as the game went on.”

Neto impressed Maresca as a centre-forward while he covers for injured frontmen Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu. It’s certainly been a nice surprise for supporters to enjoy because he definitely injects extra pace and intent.

Pedro Neto outshines Christopher Nkunku at striker

Chelsea have played four games across all competitions since Jackson’s injury.

Nkunku filled in as the centre-forward in the back-to-back defeats to Brighton. Meanwhile, Neto lead the line in the most recent matches against Southampton.

Without a doubt, the Blues have looked a far great attacking threat with Neto occupying the central position rather than Nkunku, who’s much more effective coming in off the left.

According to Tony Cascarino, Chelsea carry Nkunku when he plays striker. It’s fair to say that it’s the complete opposite with Neto at the top end of the pitch because he’s so busy and heavily involved.

It’ll be great news when Jackson is back on the pitch and playing again, but Neto’s turning out to be quite an interesting left-field alternative.