Apex Scores Lite Apex Scores Lite flag
back Back
Chelsea are getting the best of both worlds from Neto
Pedro Neto of Chelsea celebrates his goal

Just as they did 10 years ago, Chelsea are thriving after moving a winger into a wing-back role, with Pedro Neto the latest player to benefit.

A decade ago, it was Victor Moses who made the switch, adapting to Antonio Conte's then-innovative system and helping Chelsea to a 13-match winning run en route to the Premier League title in 2017.

Neto scored twice from wing-back in Chelsea's 2-0 win at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday.

Perhaps Xabi Alonso saw something in Neto that the player did not initially see in himself and now the Blues are getting the best of both worlds.

Despite operating as a wing-back, he is averaging 5.3 touches in the opposition box per 90 minutes compared with 3.6 last season.

His successful dribbles have risen from 1.6 to 1.8 per 90 minutes, while his dribble success rate has increased from 43.5% to 52.6%. He is also creating more chances, with his average climbing from 1.8 to 2.0 per 90, including an increase in open-play chances created from 1.5 to 1.8.

His defensive responsibilities have also increased significantly, with tackles rising from 0.7 to 2.0 per 90 and possessions won increasing from 2.9 to 3.9, all in the Premier League.

It owes to Neto's athleticism, which he has previously attributed in part to growing up in a family of roller-hockey players, allowing him to impact both ends of the pitch.

A decade ago, Moses transformed himself under Conte to great effect. Neto has not had to change quite as much. Instead, his switch from winger to right wing-back under Alonso has amplified the qualities that were already there.

You may like

England defender Marc Guehi rejects the knee AGAIN: Man City star doubles down against anti-racis...

dailymail.com 2 hours ago

Arsenal vs Everton, Free Live Streaming Online and TV Telecast of Premier League 2026-27 in India

latestly.com 59 minutes ago

Man Utd v Bournemouth: Key stats and talking points

aol.com 1 hour ago

‘Out of Control’—The Biggest Issue Facing Man Utd in New Manager Search

wjtv.com 3 hours ago

Cole Palmer Debuts Bold New Haircut Ahead of Chelsea’s London Derby Against Tottenham

yen.com.gh 1 hour ago

Wayne Rooney Birthday Special: Celebrating England Football Legend As Manchester United Icon Turn...

latestly.com 2 hours ago

Sunderland v Leeds United: Key stats and talking points

aol.com 1 hour ago

PSG rules out Vitinha departure, AS reports

archysport.com 4 hours ago

Malacia has 'no regrets' over Man Utd - despite having to train with kids

aol.com 7 hours ago

‘Something Ugly Happened’—Aurelien Tchouameni Reveals Truth About Federico Valverde Fight

wjtv.com 13 hours ago