Chelsea winger Pedro Neto started back-to-back games for Portugal during October’s international break, so it will be interesting to see what shape he’s in when he returns to Stamford Bridge.
Pedro Neto, 25, is an important player for the Portuguese national side, who are managed by Roberto Martinez.
The Chelsea attacker started on the right wing last week during the 1-0 win against the Republic of Ireland before starting on the left wing on Tuesday night in a 2-2 draw against Hungary. After picking up another four points in the two World Cup qualifiers, they edged closer to securing qualification for next year’s major tournament.
Chelsea supporters weren’t impressed by Neto after his midweek display for Portugal in the Hungary draw.
Portuguese media react to Pedro Neto performance
Neto, who lasted just over an hour against Hungary before being substituted, received a mixed review for his latest international display.
In the player ratings, Portuguese newspaper A Bola wrote : “Pedro Neto (6) — Despite being relatively ineffective in the first half, he was the main driving force at the start of the second half. He had two shots, one of which forced a tight save from the Hungarian goalkeeper, and even earned a yellow card, but was substituted shortly after.”
From a Chelsea perspective, the worrying claim is that Neto was “relatively ineffective” for spells at home to Hungary.
| Minutes | Shots | Chances created | Passes | Dribbles | Crosses | Was fouled | Rating |
| 62 | 2 | 1 | 35/36 (97%) | 0/1 (0%) | 1/4 (25%) | 3 | 7.0 |
Even though Neto had some bright moments for Portugal, he’s guilty of losing his attacking threat during matches. We’ve noticed the same thing when he’s in Chelsea colours, too. His record of one goal and zero assists in 10 Blues appearances this campaign highlights he’s missing something right now in the final third.
Neto, who’s been hailed by Jose Mourinho as one of the world’s wingers, needs to prove it with much better output.
Pedro Neto must step it up
The overall package of Neto is superb because he offers great defensive work to go alongside rapid pace and a cultured left foot. However, we think his Chelsea starting spot could be under threat if he doesn’t start producing better attacking numbers.
It helps the Portuguese forward that he can start anywhere across the frontline, but the competition for places is cranking up in West London.
If Estevao’s form continues, he could make that right wing spot his own. As for the left flank, Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens are pushing each other for minutes.
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