Pedro Neto completed another 90 minutes for Portugal as the Chelsea winger helped his country begin their Nations League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Wales.
The 26-year-old was handed a starting place by new Portugal manager Jorge Jesus at the Estádio José Alvalade.
João Félix scored the only goal of the contest in the 22nd minute as the reigning Nations League champions made a winning start under their new head coach.
For Chelsea, however, Neto’s positioning was particularly interesting.
Pedro Neto starts in attacking Portugal role
Neto lined up on the right side of Portugal’s attack alongside Félix and Cristiano Ronaldo, with Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha also operating in advanced areas.
The Portugal vs Wales starting XI confirmed Neto’s place in a much more advanced role than Chelsea supporters have often seen this season.
He almost made an early impact when Nuno Mendes drove a dangerous cross through the penalty area in the 21st minute, but Neto was unable to make clean contact at the far post.
Félix put Portugal ahead just a minute later and the hosts protected that advantage to secure a 1-0 victory.
Neto’s involvement had been one of the more interesting elements to watch in Chelsea’s international-break schedule because of the contrasting responsibilities he has been given for club and country.
Neto role gives Xabi Alonso something to consider
Xabi Alonso has repeatedly used Neto as a wing-back this season.
He occupied that position when Chelsea were beaten 3-0 by Brentford, with Alonso asking him to provide width outside a back three.
Portugal gave him considerably more attacking freedom against Wales.
That versatility is one of the reasons Chelsea recently moved to secure Neto’s long-term future, with the winger signing a new contract after interest from Manchester City.
His international role does not necessarily mean Alonso will change how he uses him at Stamford Bridge.
It does, however, provide another reminder that Neto remains capable of operating as a conventional attacker rather than simply providing width from wing-back.
Portugal travel to Norway on Sunday for their second Nations League fixture, giving Neto another opportunity to build momentum before returning to Chelsea.
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