Split image - Chelsea's Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba and Joao Pedro of Chelsea celebrates scoring
Split image - Chelsea's Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba and Joao Pedro of Chelsea celebrates scoring
Winstanley and Stewart for Chelsea
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Estevao Willian's minutes
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Photo by EyesWideOpen/Getty Images
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Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
In possession, Chelsea’s formation actually resembled more of a 4-2-4 against Bournemouth. Whatever the case, the Blues have been beginning games in a 3-4-2-1 shape, and that has perhaps benefited some players more than others.
Pedro Neto is creating the most chances in furthest forward zone on the right
One Chelsea player who is definitely benefiting from Alonso’s system is Pedro Neto, and one chart shows that. Under his new manager, he has been playing as a right wing-back and really attacking the right-hand side as a result.
Image of Bournemouth's Alex Scott looking off camera during a match against Liverpool, with a news overlay about him potentially being on sale in January
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As shown in a chart created by Playback90, Neto is producing more shot-creating actions per 90 (1.06) in the furthest forward attacking zone on the right than any other player in the Premier League. Last season, Neto would not have spent as much time in that specific area of the pitch.
As a right winger, his former managers preferred him to cut inside into the right half-space with his left foot. However, under Alonso, he is really hugging the right touchline and is almost at the corner flag at times.
It is a role that Neto is thriving in, which will not help Malo Gusto. The Frenchman is another option for the right wing-back position, but Alonso seems to prefer Neto at the moment, while he also has Marco Palestra who can play there now that he is back from injury.
It is now being reported that Gusto is considering leaving Chelsea. He was linked with an exit during the summer, but the Blues’ asking price proved prohibitive.
In a back four, Neto will find it hard to get into Chelsea’s starting XI. But in a back three with wing-backs, there is room for him.