The rules are simple: any player from any era can be picked to comprise the team, and in the formation of our Blue's choosing.

It doesn't necessarily have to be what they consider to be their 'best' XI, a player could be included because they were a childhood friend or a player they looked up to as a kid. The key word here is 'favourite', meaning it is subjective to each player.

For Neto, it’s a team shaped by his Portuguese heritage, childhood idols and team-mates who left a lasting impression both on and off the pitch.

Here is Pedro's favourite XI...

Goalkeeper: Rui Patricio

During the 2016 Euros, I was still a young guy and he did some unbelievable things in that competition. Then I played with him too and saw the incredible saves he made. So I would choose him for my team.

Right-back: Nelson Semedo

Apart from being an unbelievable friend of mine, he’s also a really unbelievable player. He played for Barcelona, then when he came to Wolves, he did really well and is one of the toughest guys to play against one-on-one.

Centre-back: Ruben Dias

I would choose Ruben because of what he has achieved in football and the way he has done it. His leadership and the way he embraces the game. The way he reads the game and stays 100 per cent focused all the time — he lifts up everyone around him. Players gain confidence playing next to him because of how hard he works. That’s why I’d go with him.

Centre-back: Pepe

He was always a player that Portuguese players would look up to. The attitude, the way he behaves on the pitch and his mentality, even at 40-plus years old.

Left-back: Marcelo

It’s the way he plays the game and enjoys the game. When he has the ball, people in the stands are expecting something to happen. The passes, the reception, the skills — every time he touched the ball it felt exciting. And he’s a left-back! That’s why I’d choose him.

Defensive midfield: Sergio Busquets

Even as a young guy watching football, and even now, it’s the simplicity of how he plays on the ball. He makes people enjoy the game with the way he plays.

Centre midfield: Andres Iniesta

He played with intelligence—so tricky, and that last pass was just something else.

Centre midfield: Lionel Messi

I’d drop Messi into midfield to free up space further forward. He’s in there for the obvious reasons. As a kid, I was small and looked up to guys like him. I remember Barcelona’s team around 2010 — Messi, Iniesta, small guys dominating the game. I remember around that time I had a regional coach who said I was too small to play so I would speak to my father and it would be like 'here is Barcelona with all these small players'. Messi was a role model. Football isn’t about height: if you are a good player and you have talent, then you can reach the top.

Right wing: Eden Hazard

I liked the way he entertained people. He didn’t need flashy tricks — the way he played with the ball, his dribbling, his movement, the way he went pass people, it was unbelievable. It was enjoyable when he had the ball. People would think 'what is happening now?' It was so natural to him. In the Premier League, the toughest league in the world, he made it look easy. That’s remarkable. You don't see many players getting past four or five players like that. With the toughness of the defenders here in the Premier League. Sometimes it seemed easy for him.

Striker: Cristiano Ronaldo

He was my idol growing up. I watched him at Manchester United and then Real Madrid, winning Ballon d’Ors. He is an example to every player in the world with his mentality and his way of training. I used to tell my father, 'I want to be like him'. Playing with him was a dream come true. If you’d told 10-year-old me I’d one day play with him, I’d have said it was impossible. Of course I would dream of it but am I going to say I will play with this guy in 12 years? It is a long way to go. When you reach that, you think 'O my God I have arrived' and then you just want even more. To play with a player of that quality, you have to be in the best place.

Left wing: Neymar Jr

He is one of the most skillful players to ever play the game. The way he plays, the freedom, the flair — he’s just different. It was always exciting to watch him.

The Blues may be in the USA, but the 2025/26 season is fast approaching! Make sure you're there for every moment with a Seasonal Hospitality Membership. Register your interest today and enjoy unforgettable matchday experiences all season long with Club Chelsea by clicking here.