Chelsea is witnessing a transformation reminiscent of their past as Pedro Neto thrives in a wing-back role under Xabi Alonso. Following in the footsteps of Victor Moses, who excelled in a similar position a decade ago, Neto played a pivotal role in Chelsea's 2-0 victory against Everton on Saturday, scoring twice from his new position.

Initially, Chelsea did not see Neto as indispensable during the summer, despite setting a hefty price tag of £100m. Frustrations loomed for the 26-year-old after the departure of Enzo Maresca and the brief tenure of Liam Rosenior, who left the club with Chelsea finishing 10th last season. However, the team's new direction, coupled with Alonso's appointment, has revitalized Neto’s career.

Recently, Neto committed to a new contract extending to 2032, becoming a key player under Alonso's vision. His performance metrics have significantly improved:

• Goals: 4 in 9 appearances this season
• Touches in the opposition box: Increased from 3.6 to 5.3 per 90 minutes
• Dribbles per 90 minutes: Rose from 1.6 to 1.8, with a success rate climbing from 43.5% to 52.6%
• Tackles per 90 minutes: Increased from 0.7 to 2.0

Neto's agility, honed from a background in roller hockey, enables him to contribute defensively while maintaining offensive threat. His exceptional marking ability was highlighted in the Club World Cup final against Paris St-Germain, where he played a crucial role in the team's 3-0 victory.

Alonso praised Neto's versatility, stating, "You can call him whatever you want. Winger, wing-back, attacking player, defensive player. He can do many things." This strategic shift allows Neto to flourish, effectively bringing out the best in his game while maintaining a sense of humor about his new responsibilities.