Wolverhampton Wanderers’ man of the moment Pedro Neto has explained how competing with Diogo Jota has helped him become the player is right now.
The 20-year-old is the talk of the town at the moment having produced a string of electrifying performances this season.
Neto has gone from squad player of last season to Nuno’s most important star in 2020/21 in the absence of Raul Jimenez.
The former Lazio star has been stepping up all season even when he hasn’t scored or assists, and his latest goal against Southampton was special.
Many have suggested he could be the next Diogo Jota – sold for a fee that could eventully reach as high as £41 million (BBC Sport) – at the club, with some even claiming he’ll be better than his fellow countryman ever was at Molineux.
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Neto has given an interview with The Athletic in which he actually talks about the impact Jota had on him before his departure.
He said: “We’re very different players, he was more in the top third closer to goal – if you cross he’s the guy that finishes the action.
“I remember in training competing with him, but I do a lot of crosses and Jota is the guy that finishes.
“I learned from him to be in the penalty area to be the second player (after the striker) to get on the end of crosses. I was unlucky with the cross by Adama (against Leicester), but this is another thing I’m trying to improve, be in the box and score more.”
Neto primed to be emulate and surpass Jota
The level Neto is currently showing is truly exciting.
He is simply so dangerous and fearless in possession, and it’s easy to forget he is still only 20.
Right now, he seems well placed to make a bigger impact for the club than Jota did.
The only thing that could prevent that from happening of course, is another team swooping in and making an offer the club simply wouldn’t be able to refuse.