Pedro Neto has given Chelsea a fresh World Cup marker before Xabi Alonso formally starts work at Stamford Bridge.
The 26-year-old played the full 90 minutes as Portugal drew 0-0 with Colombia in Miami, with Chelsea’s official site noting his complete outing, one chance created and 83.3 per cent pass completion from 36 attempts.
Portugal still moved into the Round of 32, although The Guardian’s match report described Colombia as the stronger side on the night. Davinson Sanchez saw a stoppage-time header ruled out for offside, while Rafael Leao came off the bench as Roberto Martinez tried to sharpen Portugal’s attack.
For Chelsea, the immediate value is not the scoreline. It is the workload.
Neto Gives Alonso A Clear Fitness Signal
Neto has now come through a complete pressure game before Portugal’s Round-of-32 meeting with Croatia in Toronto on Friday 3 July. That keeps him on the tournament path, but it also gives Alonso a live reference point as he prepares to judge Chelsea’s attacking options.
ReadChelsea has already assessed the broader Chelsea World Cup knockout load facing Alonso, and Neto now sits firmly in that conversation.
With Alonso due to begin on 1 July, a fully engaged Neto offers the new head coach an early wide-player signal: tournament minutes, defensive running and a winger trusted to stay on the pitch when Portugal needed control.
That does not guarantee his Chelsea role, but it gives Alonso useful evidence before pre-season begins. In a squad where attacking places will be fiercely contested, Neto’s rhythm is already worth noting.
