Wolves could certainly do with a player like Pedro Neto right about now – and Enzo Maresca has given his latest thoughts about the winger he plucked from Molineux 18 months ago.
Wolves take on Chelsea in the Carabao Cup tomorrow night and Vitor Pereira is in desperate need of a win.
Pereira is being backed by his Wolves superiors for the time being. A loss against Chelsea may not be enough for him to get the sack due to the Fulham game coming up just days later. But anything but a win against the Cottagers may get him the chop.
For now though, the focus for Pereira is Chelsea.
Enzo Maresca has admitted he’ll rotate against Wolves, in an admission that is sure to please Pereira.
So it remains to be seen if Neto will have any involvement in the game.
Ahead of the game, Maresca gave a new verdict about the former Wolves winger.
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Enzo Maresca ‘really happy’ with ‘top’ star Pedro Neto
Neto was a player Wolves fans adored.
The ace signed for Wolves from Braga back in 2019 and after a little while, it became clear the club had landed a serious talent.
Neto shone with his pace and direct dribbling, but also struggled with injuries along the way.
Eventually, he left Wolves with Chelsea forking out £54 million in total – and the Portuguese looks to be having his best spell since leaving Molineux.
Pereira was asked about Neto ahead of tomorrow night’s game, and was full of praise for the 25-year-old.
The Italian said: “He’s top, he’s very humble, working hard, he’s a very important player for us and we are very happy with Pedro. He’s exactly the same as other players, he needs to be always 100%, because in the moment that you drop a little bit, mentally or physically, in this league, it’s complicated.”
Wolves must beware Neto if he plays
Pereira will be hoping Neto is one player Maresca rotates out of the side tomorrow night, because he’s enjoyed a good season so far.
He’s scored two goals and made two assists in 12 appearances, and is very much in favour with Maresca right now, starting all but one Premier League game this season.
With Cole Palmer’s injury problems this term there’s been greater responsibility for Neto, and he has been delivering.
He was actually branded Chelsea’s ‘unsung hero’ earlier this season by Joe Cole, who was left so impressed with his performance against Benfica in the Champions League. He said: “He’s been brilliant. He’s the unsung hero in this team. Any Chelsea fan will tell you, he delivers.
| Pedro Neto for Wolves (2019-2024) |
| Appearances – 63 |
| Goals – 11 |
| Assists – 11 |
“He’s always positive, always making stuff happen, that’s a wonderful ball. Garnacho does very, very well, but it’s the story of Neto. He’s been Chelsea’s best player.”
Tomorrow night will be the second time Neto has been back at Molineux since his sale. In the first game, which took place just days after his exit, he came off the bench to assist Joao Felix to make it 6-2 to the Blues.
Wolves fans will certainly hope he is far less impactful this time.