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

Alonso backs Penders to recover from nightmare Chelsea fumble

soccernews.com 16 hours ago

Joao Pedro injury latest: Who could replace Chelsea striker as Xabi Alonso gives update after 2-0...

sportsmole.co.uk 2 days ago

Chelsea injury news: Why Joao Pedro not in Blues squad to face Tottenham as Xabi Alonso offers ex...

sportsmole.co.uk 2 days ago

Chelsea vs. Tottenham Hotspur: How to watch, date, time, live stream and TV channel for Premier L...

sportsmole.co.uk 3 days ago

Xabi Alonso reacts to Cole Palmer red card, Chelsea’s rain-soaked loss at Tottenham Hotspur

nbcsports.com 2 days ago

Chelsea 0-2 Spurs: Why Xabi Alonso will have major concerns as Tottenham achieve unthinkable 40-y...

sportsmole.co.uk 2 days ago

Prediction: Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur

soccernews.com 4 days ago

Spurs celebrate ending Chelsea hoodoo with 2-0 win

straitstimes.com 2 days ago

Chelsea transfer news: Kendry Paez latest as 'new destination' considered for Ecuadorian starlet

sportsmole.co.uk 19 hours ago

Tottenham injury news: Roberto De Zerbi provides mixed fitness update ahead of Chelsea trip

sportsmole.co.uk 3 days ago