Much-criticised Chelsea star has just told foreign media why he is perfect for Xabi Alonso
Only a few Chelsea players can truly say they were in good form ahead of the international break. But one player is slowly starting to convince supporters he can thrive under Xabi Alonso.
Obviously, Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Morgan Rogers have been excellent so far. But even players like Reece James and Levi Colwill, who are often relied upon, have struggled to produce their best form.
It is still early in Alonso’s reign. It might be that the players will need months before they can perfect the Spaniard’s tactics and systems. Alonso’s Leverkusen side got off to a slow start before the Bundesliga title.
But aside from the front three, there are a couple of players who have quietly impressed, and one of those is winger Pedro Neto. On Sunday, he got an assist for Portugal in a 2-1 away win against Norway.
Pedro Neto explains why he is perfect for Xabi Alonso
It comes after scoring two goals for Chelsea this season, netting in wins over Brighton and Leeds. Neto has been moved to wing-back with Marco Palestra injured, and the Portugal ace has adapted well.
According to FotMob, Neto has been Chelsea’s joint-sixth-best player this season behind the front three, Emi Martinez and Romeo Lavia. The winger has an average rating of 7.03 in the Premier League.
Chelsea signed more experienced players this summer to get SERIOUS! What impact has it made on the team so far? 🤔
Neto is often a source of criticism from Chelsea supporters, with many frustrated with his end product. He gets in good positions but often lacks the confidence or the cutting edge to provide a finishing touch.
Speaking to Portuguese outlet A Bola after the 2-1 win over Norway – in which Joao Felix and Goncalo Ramos cancelled out Erling Haaland’s equaliser – Neto was asked why he continues to get selected.
“I try to do my job, offensively and defensively. I can help on both sides of the field; I can press high, defend in the last line, unbalance the opposition up front or in the back; it all comes naturally to me.”
Alonso needs hard-working players in his Chelsea team
Last season, Chelsea were outrun 37 times out of 38 in the Premier League. A dismal stat, with Chelsea sitting rock-bottom in the Premier League for average distance covered per game, around 107.8km.
This season, Alonso has looked to change that. The Blues are currently the 13th-best side for distances covered, which is a solid improvement. They are averaging around 113.5km per game as a team.
Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers are in the top 50 Premier League players for distance covered so far. It is clear that Alonso needs hard-working players who have high levels of stamina for his tactics to work.
Neto has just told Portuguese media that he is the kind of player who does both sides of the game, having an impact both defensively and in the final third. Clearly, Neto thinks Alonso’s system suits him.
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