Pedro Neto Is Deservedly Ahead of Adama Traore in the Wolves' Pecking Order

When Pedro Neto and Bruno Jordao both made the switch to Molineux back in the summer of 2019, it was expected Wolves' latest Portuguese recruits were going to be eased into the first team set up.

After all, they were just 19 and 20 respectively at the time. Indeed, for Jordao, the club and Nuno Espirito Santo chose to be patient with him as he played just six minutes of Premier League football in 2019/20 before being sent out on loan for the 2020/21 campaign.

But for Neto, it was a completely different story. The winger made 44 appearances in all competitions in his first season with the club, becoming an important squad player.

Neto was largely used as an impact substitute last term, bringing a greater intensity to the team when he came on and showing a constant hunger to make things happen. But for all his quality and tenacity both on and off the ball, it was clear that he was still very much a rough diamond who needed time to develop his game further.

But few could have predicted just how quickly the former Braga man has progressed in recent months.

Following the departure of Diogo Jota to Liverpool, it was expected Nuno would simply line up with Daniel Podence and Adama Traore supporting striker Raul Jimenez. But it hasn't actually played out that way so far this season, as instead Nuno gave Neto his chance to step up.

And after just seven Premier League games in 2020/21, Wolves have decided to hand the winger a new long-term deal. That's how bright he has been in the early parts of the season.

Perhaps what is most impressive is the fact that Neto is keeping out one of Premier League''s most talked about players in Traore. The Spain international has developed into one of the most exciting talents in the Premier League, utilising his frightening strength and speed much more effectively now than he did when he first rocked up in England.

Having now also agreed terms on a new contract as well, many were expecting to see the 24-year-old kick on further under Nuno with Jota now at Anfield. But he simply isn't being allowed to do this at the moment, and this is down to Neto's all-action displays.

As well as drastically improving his decision making, making him much more of a threat going forward for his side, his work rate off the ball is simply unmatched. Constantly chasing and closing down to force mistakes, Neto always acts as the first line of the press. Indeed, it is this blend of quality and desire which has seen him become such a crucial first team player - as these qualities are particularly important within Nuno's system.

Sure, he has just one goal and two assists to his name in the league so far, but his 14 chances created so far sees him rank eighth overall in the division. This is the same number as Harry Kane, who has eight assists already, while Bruno Fernandes - who is leading the way - has only created five more opportunities thus far.

Equally, his figures out of possession make for very pleasant reading as far as Nuno is concerned. No forward in the division has made more interceptions than Neto's 11, with fellow Wolves man Jimenez sitting second with his tally of seven. To put this into context, Neto's 11 interceptions is the same amount as Harry Maguire and Yerry Mina have managed so far.

Neto's all-action style of play brings the perfect balance to this Wolves team, giving the likes of Podence the freedom to drift into pockets of space and influence games. The pair have formed a real understanding of each other's game, interchanging positions and exploiting spaces. This was perfectly evident for the Wanderers' opener against Crystal Palace last time out, with Podence drifting over to the right before whipping in a wonderful cross which debutant Rayan Ait-Nouri excellently connected with.

Let's not be mistaken, Traore remains one of the most dangerous players in the division when in full flow and he will play an important role this season under Nuno. But Neto is now one of the first names on the team sheet, not only because of his creativity and link up play, but also because of his work rate off the ball. The youngster brings a better balance to the side than Traore currently does, and there is simply no reason to disrupt that at this moment in time.

The decision to hand Neto a new and improved contract will have been a no-brainer as far as the club are concerned, considering his progression in such a short space of time.

Sometimes, just sometimes, a forward's impact on a team can go so much further beyond their goals and assists figures - and Neto is a prime example of that. His goal contribution numbers will only increase should he continue to put in the same kind of displays which have seen him keep one of the most menacing forwards in the Premier League out of the starting lineup.

He may not necessarily be the most glamorous or skilful winger in the Premier League, but his all-round ability to help bring the best out of those around him has seen him quickly become a key part of the Wolves first team.

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