How wing wizard Neto can unlock Newcastle defence

Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who can be decisive in Matchweek 10.

Player analysis: Pedro Neto (Wolves)

Neto is arguably the Premier League’s most in-form winger right now, so his searing pace and directness will be a concern for Newcastle United at Molineux on Saturday.

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The Wolverhampton Wanderers star has delivered seven direct goal contributions in his last seven appearances. That includes six assists, the joint-most in the league alongside Newcastle's Kieran Trippier.

Finally free of the injury problems that limited him to just 19 starts for Wolves across the previous two seasons, Neto has regained his very best form under Gary O’Neil, playing every minute so far.

The 23-year-old's last four major contributions have all stemmed from outstanding dribbles.

Encouraged to be fearless with the ball, the Portugal international has produced some astonishing moments of inspiration.

His mazy dribble to the byline down Wolves’ left set up a goal for Hwang Hee-chan at home to Liverpool, and on the other flank his speed left Pau Torres chasing shadows with a lung-busting run and cross for Hwang against Aston Villa.

Neto won a foot race with Tom Lockyer away at Luton Town, before surging past several home defenders to score.

And last time out at AFC Bournemouth, he popped up in a pocket of space before driving at the heart of the Cherries defence to set up Matheus Cunha.

If O’Neil sticks with a 3-4-3 formation this weekend, Newcastle will need to be wary of Neto slipping into these holes to receive passes on the half-turn.

Tommy Doyle and Max Kilman picked him out regularly in those pockets at Vitality Stadium.

See: How Neto compares with other budget midfielders in Fantasy

Eddie Howe must come up with a plan to stop Neto running at his left-back Dan Burn.

The 6ft 6in defender is enjoying a fabulous season, but the prospect of handling Wolves’ star winger in 1v1s may fill him with dread.

Neto is the second-quickest Premier League player this season, with his top speed of 36.86 km/hr putting him way ahead of Burn on 31.65 km/hr.

Fastest PL players 2023/24

Newcastle must give Burn protection and deny Neto the time and space to get up a head of steam.

Only four players in the division have attempted or completed more dribbles.

Left-footed brilliance

O’Neil’s faith in Neto is not just about pace and skill; he also knows that the winger has a wonderfully accurate left foot.

Earlier this season, he whipped two perfect deliveries into the box for headed goals against Crystal Palace, and in the 1-0 win at Everton it was an unplayable Neto inswinger from the right that found the head of Sasa Kalajdzic for the winner.

Neto also nearly netted his second goal of the season last time out at Bournemouth, curling a gorgeous left-footed effort onto the woodwork.

Whether he plays on the right or left, Neto whips a lot of crosses into the area, with Villa full-back Lucas Digne the only player to attempt more deliveries.

Boosted by 10 opportunities created from set-pieces, Neto is also the highest-ranked wide forward in the Premier League for chance creation.

If Newcastle fail to deal with Neto, it could be a very long evening for them.

Most chances created and crosses 23/24

Also in this series

Part 1: How Palmer and Gallagher are forming the perfect partnership
Part 3: Can Kompany fix Burnley problems for key duel with Bournemouth?
Part 4: How Hojlund and Doku can impact their first Manchester derby