the Chelsea News
·26 June 2025
‘Eye-catching’ performances as Chelsea player earns his Blues future at Club World Cup

In partnership with
Yahoo sportsthe Chelsea News
·26 June 2025
A Chelsea player has put in some ‘eye-catching’ performances in the Club World Cup so far to earn his future at the club.
he news comes after Chelsea beat ES Tunis 3-0 early on Wednesday morning in the Club World Cup in America after Blues head coach Enzo Maresca named a rotated starting Xl to rest a few players.
Chelsea needed to avoid a defeat to progress to the knockout rounds of the competition, and they did that with ease in the end against an opposition that they were just much better than in terms of quality.
Marc Cucurella got a deserved rest in the game, with Josh Acheampong starting at left back instead, but before the game, the Spanish international was expecting another tough game. But it was far from that for Chelsea in the end.
The Blues now face Benfica this coming Saturday night in the 9pm kick off UK time as they look to progress to the quarter finals and then who knows, even further.
Benfica will be a tough opposition for Chelsea but they should be fully fancying themselves in this one to get through and advance.
Pedro Neto scores with a low finish against Flamengo. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Graham Ruthven of Forbes has been impressed with Pedro Neto so far. He wrote this week:
‘Pedro Neto is making his case. He is earning his Chelsea future by shining at the tournament, scoring two goals in two games. The 25-year-old didn’t feature in the final group game against Esperance, but this suggested Maresca wants to rest him for the last 16 meeting with Benfica this weekend.
‘Neto’s two performances against LAFC and Flamengo at the Club World Cup have been eye-catching. He has given Chelsea purpose and verticality in its attacking play, stretching the pitch with his speed while also demonstrating final product and good decision-making in and around the opposition penalty area.’