It was perhaps inevitable that Wolves would lose Pedro Neto in the summer of 2024.
The winger was a shining light for Wanderers in the 2023/24 season, although he did spend some time on the sidelines through injury.
In 24 appearances, he scored three goals, but it was his creativity that really got people talking, as he laid on 11 assists.
The star’s injury problems were a real shame. Had he managed to stay fit, Wolves would surely have finished a few places higher than 14th.
In the summer, Wolves cashed in on Neto with Chelsea paying around £54 million in total for the winger’s services.
It has been a steady start so far for Neto at Stamford Bridge but he enjoyed his best outing yet against Arsenal on Sunday.
- READ MORE: Pedro Neto and Wolves stars react as Matheus Cunha shares message after late equaliser vs Brighton
Former Wolves winger Pedro Neto shines for Chelsea against Arsenal
Neto has now started the last three Premier League games in a row for Chelsea, signifying that he is becoming more in favour with manager Enzo Maresca.
Prior to the game with Arsenal on Sunday, he had scored a couple of goals in the Conference League and the Carabao Cup.
But against the Gunners he finally opened his account for the Blues, finding space between the lines before unleashing a fierce drive from the edge of the box into the bottom corner, giving David Raya no chance.
It was a great display by Neto, who provided two ‘key’ passes and created one ‘big’ chance in addition to his goal (via Sofascore).
The London Evening Standard reported that this was Neto’s ‘most effective display for Chelsea’ yet, gave him an 8/10 for his display.
Former Premier League striker Michael Bridges was blown away by Neto, saying on The Optus Sport Football Podcast: “A player who shone for me, Neto. What a player man, I’m telling you this guy. The pace of him when he goes, I’m just absolutely delighted that he’s back in the Premier League. Chelsea have got an absolute superstar there.”
- READ MORE: Wolves fans all say the same thing as Pedro Neto posts message on social media, they are furious
Wolves are managing OK without Neto
So Neto produced a statement performance for Chelsea at the weekend, but it can be argued that he is not really being missed by Wolves.
Yes, Wanderers currently sit 19th in the table after taking just six points so far.
But the issues have not been in the final third for Wolves, who have scored 16 goals so far in the league – only eight clubs have scored more.
| Goals scored by Wolves after 11 PL games last season | Goals scored by Wolves after 11 PL games this season |
| 14 | 16 |
The problems have mainly been with the defence, with 27 conceded so far.
But Matheus Cunha has pretty much taken on the responsibility of being Wolves’ game-changer following Neto’s exit, and Jorgen Strand Larsen also looks a very handy signing having scored four goals so far.