06/09/2025
The discourse on football fandom across social platforms often swings between extremes, and recent conversations surrounding Ousmane Dembélé, Raphinha, and Pedro Neto are a prime example.
Dembélé and Raphinha are now frequently spoken of as if they were long-established stars at Barcelona. Yet, history paints a more complicated picture. Both players faced heavy criticism during their early years at the Camp Nou, with Raphinha even on the verge of being moved on before Hansi Flick’s arrival revitalized his role. Dembélé, despite his €130 million price tag, never truly produced a consistent season of dominance in Catalonia, finishing with just 40 goals in six years—a return well short of expectations.
This context makes the current skepticism around Pedro Neto at Chelsea difficult to justify. At just 25 years old, Neto remains at an earlier stage in his career compared to where Dembélé and Raphinha were when they finally found stability. Already into his second season at Stamford Bridge, Neto has registered 10 goals, outperforming the early returns of both Dembélé and Raphinha at Barcelona. Signed for £54 million, he has shown flashes of being Chelsea’s most naturally gifted winger, with flair and creativity that offer a different dimension to the attack.
Yet, paradoxically, it is not rival supporters but sections of Chelsea’s own fanbase who are leading the criticism. This is despite the fact that neutral observers and even Barcelona fans have publicly praised Neto’s qualities. The inconsistency in perception is striking.
Supporters would do well to remember past examples—such as Raheem Sterling, who once terrorized defenses but has since struggled to rediscover that form. Talent, particularly in wide players, can be fleeting if not nurtured. Neto represents a valuable asset for Chelsea, one deserving of patience and backing rather than premature judgment.
In short, while the noise around Neto grows, the numbers and trajectory suggest he is already on a stronger path than some of the wingers now celebrated elsewhere. For Chelsea, the focus should be on supporting him through this phase, allowing his talent to develop fully, rather than risking the loss of a player whose best years may yet be ahead.