Chelsea's Rising Star: The Pedro Neto Transformation Under Xabi Alonso

Pedro Neto made the move to Chelsea from Wolves in 2024, and it seems the club is once again reaping the rewards of converting a winger into a wing-back. Just like Victor Moses did under Antonio Conte ten years ago, Neto is thriving in this new role. In Chelsea’s recent 2-0 win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, Neto showcased his talents by scoring both goals from his wing-back position. It’s a remarkable turnaround, especially considering how differently things could have played out for the 26-year-old. During the summer, Chelsea didn’t consider Neto an indispensable asset, despite placing a hefty £100 million price tag on him. The Portuguese international had expressed frustration after the departure of Enzo Maresca, a coach he closely connected with, and the brief tenure of Liam Rosenior left the team struggling, finishing 10th last season. As the summer unfolded, several players—including Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo—signed new contracts, embracing Chelsea's fresh vision of blending experience with youthful talent. The arrival of Xabi Alonso seemed to boost morale, but there were still doubts about Neto’s comfort in his new wing-back role, and speculation about his future lingered until the transfer window closed. Last month, Neto put pen to paper on a new deal that extends his stay until 2032, solidifying his place as a vital part of Alonso’s plan. He has since voiced his support for the club’s direction under the new manager. Neto's journey has been impressive. Despite his £54 million transfer from Wolves, where he scored 14 goals and assisted 27 in 135 appearances, his output was modest even at Chelsea before Alonso's arrival. However, he has already netted four goals and provided one assist in just nine outings this season, significantly improving his scoring rate. The shift to wing-back has allowed Chelsea to enjoy the best of Neto’s abilities. His average touches in the opposition box have jumped from 3.6 to 5.3 per 90 minutes. His dribbling success has also increased, going from 1.6 to 1.8, and his chance creation has improved as well. Defensively, Neto has stepped up his game, with tackles per 90 rising from 0.7 to 2.0, and possessions won increasing from 2.9 to 3.9 in the Premier League. His athleticism, partly a product of growing up in a roller-hockey family, allows him to contribute at both ends of the pitch. In Chelsea’s standout moment under their current American ownership, Neto excelled in man-marking Achraf Hakimi during their 3-0 victory over Paris St-Germain in the Club World Cup final in 2025. Alonso praised Neto, saying, "You can call him whatever you want—winger, wing-back, attacking player, defensive player. He can do many things. He is very competitive and poses a threat whenever he's near the action." Alonso’s strategy is asymmetric; he doesn’t require the same attacking output from the left wing-back, letting Neto focus on driving forward from the right side. Plus, his lively personality adds a fun element to the dressing room. After Chelsea's recent Carabao Cup triumph over Leeds, where Neto scored, his former Wolves teammate Conor Coady joked about his defensive mindset. Neto quipped back, "Now I am a wing-back, lad," eliciting laughter, before adding, "In my head, I always have to run back and help my defenders as well." While Moses underwent a significant transformation under Conte, Neto's adjustment has been more about amplifying existing strengths rather than reinventing himself. His transition to right wing-back has unlocked a new level of performance, and Chelsea fans can expect even more from him as the season progresses.