If you were asked to guess Chelsea's fastest player this season, Pedro Neto might not be the first name that springs to mind.
However, according to Premier League figures, confirmed on Chelsea's official website, the Portuguese winger has clocked the highest top speed of any Blues player so far this campaign.
Pedro Neto is Chelsea's fastest player so far this season
Neto reached an impressive 35.26 km/h against Brighton and Hove Albion on 30 August, putting him sixth in the Premier League's fastest players rankings this season.
Liverpool's Bradley Barcola currently tops the overall list after recording a blistering speed of 35.93 km/h.
While Neto's pace is hardly a secret, his position at the top of Chelsea's rankings might come as a surprise to some supporters, particularly given the competition for attacking places at Stamford Bridge.
The 26-year-old has plenty of competition for the title, with Chelsea boasting several players capable of causing problems for opposition defenders. However, his top speed against Brighton and Hove Albion puts him ahead of his teammates when it comes to raw pace.
It's a reminder of what Neto brings to the side. His ability to drive forward, stretch defences and exploit space behind the opposition makes him a valuable option in the final third, even if his performances have sometimes divided opinion among supporters.
Of course, top speed is only one measure of a player's contribution, and it doesn't always tell the whole story. But in a league where fine margins can make all the difference, having that kind of pace in your attacking options is a huge advantage.
The 2026-27 campaign could be his last at Stamford Bridge
Neto's place at the top of Chelsea's speed rankings comes at a time when the winger has been heavily linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.
Although speculation doesn't always lead to a departure, questions over his long-term future could emerge again depending on how the season unfolds.
Chelsea have continued to invest heavily in their attacking options, leaving players competing for places in a large squad. For Neto, consistent performances and continued contributions to the team's results will be important if he wants to be part of Xabi Alonso's long term plans.
For now, Neto remains a Chelsea player, and his speed record is another weapon at Alonso's disposal. Whether he stays beyond this season remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: when it comes to raw pace, he's currently the frontrunner... literally.
