Benfica Boss Bruno Lage Praises Chelsea Stars Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez Ahead of Club World Cup Clash
As Chelsea prepare to face Benfica in the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16, Portuguese manager Bruno Lage has heaped praise on two Blues stars—Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez—calling them among the best in the world in their respective positions.
Bruno Lage: “Pedro Neto Is One of the Best Wingers in the World”
Lage, who previously managed Pedro Neto at Wolves and now leads Benfica, spoke highly of the Chelsea forward during his pre-match press conference.
“The player I really know is Pedro Neto. He’s one of the best wingers in the world. He’s so dangerous because he can go either way on the ball,” Lage told Metro.
Since making a £54 million switch from Wolverhampton Wanderers to Chelsea, Neto has quickly established himself as a key attacking threat under Enzo Maresca. With his explosive pace, slick dribbling, and creative flair, the 24-year-old has become one of Chelsea's most dangerous weapons going forward.
Enzo Fernandez Earning Global Recognition
Although Lage never coached Enzo Fernandez, the Benfica manager still had plenty of admiration for the Argentine midfielder—especially considering Fernandez previously starred for Benfica before his record-breaking transfer to Chelsea.
“There was actually a rumour before Enzo came to Chelsea that he was going to join me at Wolves, so that was funny… But in terms of money and quality, Chelsea have one of the best midfielders in the world.”
Fernandez joined the Blues for £106.8 million in January 2023—a then-British record transfer. His impact continues to grow at Stamford Bridge, especially under the guidance of Enzo Maresca.
Enzo Maresca: “Enzo Is Now Playing Fantastic Football”
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca also praised Fernandez’s progression and leadership in midfield, saying the 23-year-old has adapted well to his tactical system.
“I’m very pleased with Enzo. He’s a nice boy, polite, a good person. At the beginning, he struggled to understand the way we want to play, but now he’s doing fantastic — with goals, assists, and overall contributions.”
Maresca highlighted that he prefers a system where multiple players contribute to scoring, rather than relying on a traditional striker. Fernandez has been instrumental in creating balance and tempo in Chelsea’s midfield engine.
Club World Cup: Chelsea vs Benfica — Key Players to Watch
As Chelsea gear up for a high-stakes clash against Benfica, much of the spotlight will be on Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez—two players Bruno Lage considers world-class. Their individual brilliance could prove decisive in this knockout fixture.
If the Blues defeat Benfica, they could face Brazilian powerhouses Palmeiras or Botafogo in the next round—raising the stakes even further as Chelsea chase international silverware.
Final Thoughts
With the FIFA Club World Cup heating up, Chelsea vs Benfica promises to deliver excitement, intensity, and world-class performances. Whether it's Neto dazzling on the wings or Fernandez dominating the midfield, Chelsea’s hopes of glory may hinge on the very players their opponents admire most.