What Xabi Alonso will have learned about Pedro Neto after 2026 World Cup

Alonso will, of course, be managing Neto next season, while it has been claimed that Chelsea have been tracking Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa. With that in mind, what would Alonso have learned about Neto from the round of 16 and his overall campaign at this year’s World Cup?

Chelsea fans, share your expectations for Xabi Alonso! 🏆

Neto is not the most productive attacker, and Chelsea supporters were reminded of that during his World Cup outings. Neto failed to score in the tournament and only provided one assist.

However, as the 26-year-old always does, he worked extremely hard and played on both flanks. If Alonso was not aware already, the new Chelsea manager will now know that he will be coaching a very energetic and versatile forward next term.

In terms of output, Alonso will need more from the Portugal international, who only scored five goals in 34 Premier League appearances last term. But you suspect that Alonso will be a fan of his; most managers are because of his work rate.

While Neto should get plenty of opportunities under Alonso, Alejandro Garnacho is very unlikely to.

Garnacho had a very disappointing first year at Chelsea, and it is being widely reported that the club are already prepared to offload him.

Like Neto, Garnacho has not been productive enough after scoring just one goal in 24 Premier League games in blue. However, while Chelsea are set to persist with Neto, Garnacho’s days at Stamford Bridge are numbered.

It remains to be seen whether Neto is going to be an automatic starter under Alonso, but the former Wolverhampton Wanderers star will get game time, as he did at this year’s World Cup.