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Sam Allardyce shares what really impressed him when he watched Chelsea’s Pedro Neto up close
Chelsea drew with Arsenal at the weekend, and the hero of the day for the Blues was Pedro Neto.
Neto had a brilliant game against Arsenal, not only did he score a fantastic equalising goal, he gave Ben White a torrid time down the flank. Indeed, it was noted that White looked incredibly irritated during the game as he couldn’t cope with Neto.
Interestingly, Arsenal wanted to sign Neto before his move to Chelsea.
Speaking on the Seaman Says Podcast, David Seaman and Sam Allardyce have been discussing Pedro Neto’s performance, and Allardyce says that Neto is always a player he’s been scared of.
Indeed, the former England manager says that he’s managed against Neto in the past, and he’s been blown away by the Portuguese star’s sheer pace.
Sam Allardyce blown away by Pedro Neto
Allardyce spoke about his impression of Neto when he’s managed against the winger.
Big Sam noted that the Chelsea ace is very hard to play against, and he’s always been impressed when he’s seen him up close.
“I was more afraid of Neto,” Seaman said.
“Neto yeah, I’ve experienced him when I’ve been on the touchline going ‘oof’ he is quick isn’t he?” Allardyce said.
“It’s hard to pick up a player who exploits that space away from where his normal position would be which is wide right. He goes into a central position and everyone says ‘I’ve got my man,’ And if you hesitate it takes too long. It was a very good finish though I must admit.”
Pedro Neto stats vs Sam Allardyce teams
Allardyce says that he’s been blown away when he’s seen Neto up close, and it’s not hard to understand why.
Allardyce has only managed against Neto once in his career, but the stats from that game perfectly encapsulate why Neto is such a dangerous player.
| Pedro Neto stats vs West Brom in 2021 | |
| Games | 1 |
| Dribbles | 4 |
| Key passes | 5 |
| Times fouled | 2 |
| Crosses | 15 |
Neto is a remarkable attacking force. Yes, he’s not the best finisher in the world, but he’s so good at beating his man, and he’s so good at finding his teammates.
Neto played five key passes in that one game against West Brom, while he also delivered 15 crosses, beating his full-back time and time again.
Injuries have been the only thing holding Neto back from reaching that world-class standard, and if he can put together a consistent run of games, he will be a genuine footballing superstar.
Neto has all of the ability in the world, and he showed that this weekend with an incredible performance against Arsenal.