New Victor Moses? How Alonso has transformed Neto

Pedro Neto scored twice from wing-back as Chelsea beat Everton 2-0, highlighting how Xabi Alonso has reshaped the Portuguese player’s role. The change recalls Victor Moses’s move to wing-back under Antonio Conte, which helped Chelsea win the Premier League in 2017, and has made Neto a key part of Alonso’s side.

Neto has scored four goals and made one assist in nine appearances this season, including three as a substitute. In the Premier League, his touches in the opposition box have risen from 3.6 to 5.3 per 90 minutes, while his tackles have increased from 0.7 to 2.0; he also creates more chances and completes a higher share of dribbles. After uncertainty over his future, he signed a new contract until 2032 last month.