Apex Scores Lite Apex Scores Lite flag
back Kembali
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

What Xabi Alonso has said about signing new Chelsea target Nico Paz in the past

thechelseachronicle.com 18 jam yang lalu

Jason Wilcox reaches decision on Man Utd next manager as top target’s verdict on accepting job re...

football365.com 4 jam yang lalu

Erling Haaland: Barcelona, Real Madrid react to Man City star setting ‘one key condition’ to acce...

football365.com 21 jam yang lalu

Why do Man City fans bring inflatable bananas to stadiums?

The London Standard 3 jam yang lalu

How to watch Chelsea vs Tottenham in the USA, Nigeria, India and around the world

theprideoflondon.com 2 jam yang lalu

Decline and fall: who will believe in Raheem Sterling now?

The Guardian 3 minggu yang lalu

I managed both Chelsea and Tottenham and felt zero connection towards one of them

football.london 5 jam yang lalu

All 24 Championship clubs ranked by how far they've fallen from their glory days

footballleagueworld.co.uk 4 jam yang lalu

Tottenham and Newcastle ‘enquire’ about double AC Milan coup with January deals ‘increasingly lik...

teamtalk.com 27 menit yang lalu

Liam Delap makes Chelsea admission after addressing transfer decision

footballtransfertavern.com 20 jam yang lalu