Don’t hype him up too much, it’s blatantly obvious that he only performs against small teams. He just got lucky really” – This is according to Gary Neville as he tears into a Chelsea ace that scored, gave an assist, create several chances and was vital in the well deserved 4-0 win against Southampton
**Gary Neville Slams Chelsea Star Despite Dominant Win Over Southampton – ‘He Only Performs Against Small Teams’**
Chelsea’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Southampton should have been a moment of celebration, particularly for one standout player who played a vital role in the Blues’ success. However, Manchester United legend and football pundit Gary Neville had a vastly different take, dismissing the performance as insignificant and warning against overhyping the Chelsea ace.
### A Scathing Review from Neville
While many praised Chelsea’s attacking prowess, Neville remained unimpressed. The former right-back, known for his blunt analysis, did not hold back when assessing the player’s contributions.
*“Don’t hype him up too much, it’s blatantly obvious that he only performs against small teams. He just got lucky really,”* Neville said post-match.
The remarks immediately sparked debate among fans and analysts alike, with some agreeing with Neville’s assessment while others accused him of being overly critical.
### Does He Only Shine Against Lesser Opposition?
The player in question delivered an outstanding performance, playing a key role in multiple goals and looking sharp throughout the match. However, Neville’s argument raises an important discussion—does he truly deliver when it matters most?
Critics have pointed out that while the Chelsea ace has been outstanding against mid-to-lower-table teams, he has yet to make a decisive impact in big games against top-six opposition. Against the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal, his influence has often been limited, leading some to question whether he is a genuine game-changer or merely a flat-track bully.
### A Player in the Spotlight
Despite the criticism, Chelsea fans were quick to defend their star, arguing that he can only play against the opposition in front of him and that his recent form deserves recognition. Many pointed to his goal contributions, creativity, and work rate as evidence that he is more than just a player who thrives against weaker sides.
One fan tweeted, *“Neville just loves to stir controversy. The guy played brilliantly, and you can’t blame him for doing his job well, regardless of the opposition.”*
Another added, *“If he keeps performing like this, he’ll prove all the doubters wrong soon enough.”*
### The Bigger Picture for Chelsea
Regardless of Neville’s harsh words, Chelsea’s victory over Southampton was a much-needed boost. The Blues have struggled with inconsistency this season, and this dominant win could provide the momentum they need heading into tougher fixtures.
However, the real test will come when Chelsea faces stronger opposition. If their star player can replicate his Southampton heroics in high-stakes matches, he will silence his critics once and for all. Until then, doubts will remain, and pundits like Neville will continue to scrutinize his every move.
### What’s Next?
With crucial games ahead, Chelsea’s management and fans will be watching closely to see whether this player can step up on the big stage. If he does, Neville may have to rethink his stance. If not, the criticism will only grow louder.
One thing is for certain—this debate is far from over.
