Xabi Alonso has been speaking very highly of Pedro Neto following his role in Chelsea’s win against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday.

Neto scored twice to help Chelsea to a 2-0 win on Merseyside. That victory has taken them to fourth in the Premier League table.

After the game, Neto gave credit to Portugal manager Jorge Jesus for his two goals, with his new national team coach advising him to change how he shoots the ball.

As for his club manager, Alonso, he also deserves credit for the 26-year-old’s fine form this season. Neto has been playing as a wing-back under him and is absolutely thriving in the role.

Neto is finding himself in a lot of one-v-one situations, and according to Alonso, he is a “threat” to any full-back in the world. Speaking to football.london and others in his post-match press conference, Alonso said: “He can do many things. Today, he did well. He’s a threat against any full-back. I’m happy we could score.

“Cole [Palmer], Joao [Pedro], Morgan [Rogers] — they didn’t score, but played a fantastic game.”

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Neto’s brace has taken him to three goals in the Premier League this season. That is even more than what Palmer has managed, showing just how productive the Portuguese has been.

Neto’s end product has been criticised at times, but it is an area of his game that has improved under Alonso. Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves also had some praise for Neto, hailing him as Chelsea’s “unsung hero”.

Next up for Neto and Chelsea is a London derby against fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge.

Pedro Neto’s dribbling stats this season

Neto is one of the best dribblers in Chelsea’s squad. As per WhoScored, the Portugal international is currently making 1.4 dribbles per game.

Only Palmer (1.7) and Rogers (1.9) are completing more dribbles on average than Neto. Playing as a wing-back and hugging the touchline, it is obviously a good trait for Neto to have.

Can the former Wolverhampton Wanderers star still improve there and in other areas? Yes, but Alonso will be pleased with what he has seen from him so far this season.