Roberto Martinez highlights Pedro Neto vs Eden Hazard distinction

Martinez, speaking on The Overlap, explained that while fans may want to draw comparisons to the club legend, Neto’s game is built around acceleration and movement, whereas Hazard thrived by slowing things down and picking his moments.

He explained: “No [they are not similar]. Eden Hazard was someone who would stop the game, and find his 1v1. Neto is the opposite, he accelerates the game. They are different players.

“Pedro Neto can play on the right or the left. When he’s on the right, he can come inside onto his left foot, but it’s not going to be a slow action.

“Nothing really. It’s been a little bit of adapting to the number of games at Chelsea. Still young, still adapting, but if he is available to play three games a week, he will have an impact on every game. He is a vertical player, going to open the game up.”

The Spaniard added: “I thought the game against PSG in the Club World Cup final, he was the main player to open the space to Palmer. His intensity is incredible.”

Looking at the numbers for Pedro Neto and Eden Hazard in a Chelsea shirt

There is no question that Hazard has played far more matches than Neto, but even early on, the numbers favour the Belgian.

Hazard found the net 110 times across 352 appearances for Chelsea, adding another 88 assists. That works out to a direct goal contribution every other game.

Neto’s return is closer to one involvement every three games. The winger has 19 goals and 14 assists from his first 90 appearances, including Conference League outings.

The former Wolverhampton winger has not always been a fan favourite this season, but with players like Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens as alternatives, there is a growing sense he needs to stay in the side for what remains of this campaign.