Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea cruised past Real Sociedad on Saturday as the Blues returned to Stamford Bridge ahead of their Premier League opener against Fulham next Monday – and Pedro Neto started.
Alonso hinted at using a 3-4-2-1 against West London rivals Fulham by starting with the system he used so effectively at Leverkusen on Saturday. Wesley Fofana, Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill combined.
Reece James was a surprise inclusion alongside Moises Caicedo in midfield, though he may revert to playing as the right-sided centre-back or wing-back when the Premier League season gets underway.
Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers started behind Joao Pedro in a devastating-looking front three. But it was Pedro Neto who was the biggest surprise inclusion at wing-back, amid reports he could leave.
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Pedro Neto reminds Xabi Alonso what he can do for Chelsea
It has emerged this weekend that Neto has agreed terms with Al Hilal, a move that will see Neto join players like Karim Benzema, Ruben Neves and Crysencio Summerville. He is due to replace Malcom.
Chelsea v Real Sociedad - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Belgian reporter Sacha Tavolieri reports that Neto has agreed personal terms with Al Hilal, and a move hinges on whether Chelsea and Al Hilal can agree on a price tag. Yet, Neto started for Chelsea yesterday.
In a slightly new role as a wing-back, Neto might not have won the headlines, but he certainly impressed with his performance, and the stats prove it. No other player created more chances than Neto did.
The Neto situation, and why Chelsea are making a mistake
Clearly, Chelsea and Alonso still deem Neto incredibly important. While Pep Chavarria could eventually start on the left, which would move Marco Palestra to the right, Neto’s versatility makes him a real asset.
Yes, the former Wolves man did not enjoy the best of seasons last term. But did any Chelsea player really show any consistent level of elite form? Even Palmer struggled as Chelsea ended up finishing in tenth.
Neto is a top player, and there is a reason why Barcelona, Man City, Liverpool and other European giants have been linked during the summer. Chelsea are said to want £51m for Neto, as per reporter Tavolieri.
If Chelsea cash in on Neto for £51m, they will fail to bring in a replacement who is as good, or boasts the versatility of Neto. It went under the radar, but his display on Saturday proves Alonso should keep him.