Now World ViewReece James hails ‘amazing’ Chelsea player for what he is doing for Enzo Maresca in tough period
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Chelsea captain Reece James has declared that Pedro Neto is doing "an amazing job to help the team" despite not playing in his natural role. So far playing off either the right or left wing since joining the Blues from Wolves in the summer, Neto has operated as a No.9 in the team’s last two Premier League games against Aston Villa and Southampton with Enzo Maresca having limited options in that area of the pitch.
It may not be his preferred role but the Portugal international has made an impact there with an assist in the 2-1 defeat at Villa, before getting a goal and an assist three days later in the 4-0 triumph over Southampton. Neto’s performances through the middle have caught the eye, with captain James, who played in midfield at Villa Park, noting the big performances his teammate has put in recently.
"Everyone wants the best for the team and the club, so we will all do what we need to do," he told Chelsea’s official website. “Pedro [Neto], for example, isn’t playing in his position at the moment but he’s doing an amazing job to help the team and that’s the mindset.
"I enjoy playing anywhere on the pitch, no matter what position that is. Of course, it takes a little bit of time to get used to that role again, but I’ll do whatever is needed to help the team."
Chelsea’s triumph over Southampton was certainly a much-needed win after going through a really tough spell from the middle of December onwards. James opened up on that tricky run of form and what’s now ahead for Chelsea as we approach the business end of the campaign.
"I think we learned a lot during this spell about ourselves and where we can do things differently going forward," explained the Champions League winner. "You can’t lose sight of what our targets are.
"These spells can happen in football – they’ve happened to the biggest teams in the world – but what we must do is react well, stick to what we know, and stick together as a group. That’s what we’re doing."
He added: "We had a difficult run where things didn’t go our way despite good performances, so it was good to get the win. Now we have to focus on what’s ahead, with the Conference League restarting and the final months of the Premier League.
"We want to keep building momentum, finish the season in the right way, and qualify for the Champions League."
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