Best in the World!”—Benfica Boss Bruno Lage Names Two Chelsea Stars Who Are on Another Level

Benfica manager Bruno Lage has delivered high praise for two Chelsea stars, Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez, calling them among the best in the world in their positions ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup showdown.

Lage, who previously coached Neto at Wolves and currently leads Benfica, had nothing but admiration for the players who will be facing off against his side in the last 16.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s match, the Portuguese boss said:

“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.

Neto has made a strong start at Chelsea since his £54 million move from Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer. His electric pace and unpredictable dribbling have made him one of Enzo Maresca’s go-to weapons in attack.

Lage also spoke highly of Chelsea’s midfield general, Enzo Fernandez, despite never managing the Argentine himself.

“There was actually a rumour before Enzo came to Chelsea that he was going to join me at Wolves, so that was funny… In terms of money, Chelsea have one of the best midfielders in the world.”

Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica in a then-British record £106.8 million move in January 2023, and it seems his old club hasn’t forgotten the talent they had – even briefly.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca also couldn’t hide his satisfaction with the Argentine’s progress in his system.

“I’m very pleased with Enzo,” Maresca said. “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.”

The manager added that he prefers to see multiple attackers contribute on the scoresheet rather than rely on a single striker, and Fernandez has helped set the tone with his balanced performances in the middle of the pitch.

As Chelsea prepare to face Benfica in a high-stakes knockout match, Maresca and Lage both know it could come down to moments of individual brilliance — and Fernandez and Neto are certainly capable of producing those.

If Chelsea make it past the Portuguese side, they’ll have another major test awaiting them — a potential clash with Brazilian giants Palmeiras or Botafogo.

With the Blues desperate for silverware and Benfica out to prove a point, Saturday’s clash promises fireworks — and all eyes will be on the players Bruno Lage believes are already world-class.