Pedro Neto says he is loving life as Chelsea’s striker and highlights where Blues must still improve after beating Southampton | OneFootball

Pedro Neto says he is enjoying playing as a central striker after scoring and assisting in Chelsea’s 4-0 win over Southampton.

Neto grabbed his side’s second after Christopher Nkunku had opened the scoring, before Neto set up Levi Colwill for the third of the night, crossing from a free-kick for the defender to head home.

And Marc Cucurella added a fourth in the second half after being set up by youngster Tyrique George as Chelsea moved back up to fourth in the table.

Neto has started in a centre-forward role in the last two games with injuries to strikers Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu, and the Portugal international says it is a role which suits him well.

“To be honest, a lot, I don’t have to run as much, running back” he joked when asked how he was finding his new role, speaking to TNT Sports.

“I have more energy to run in front. I have a free role as well to play there.

“I’m really enjoying playing there and I want to help the team. That’s the most important thing.”

The Blues had won just two out of ten league games ahead of the game against Southampton and Neto says his side still have a lot to learn.

“When you are in a good moment, it’s easy to enjoy the game and to play with confidence, to be on the pitch and see smiles on the pitch,” he said.

“It’s about a process. We are not experienced like the other teams, to be honest, and it’s something we have to improve. In the difficult moments, try to enjoy it, play as a grown man, and it is these situations where we achieve things.”

Levi Colwill also praised the versatility of Neto after the win.

“He’s an amazing player,” he told TNT Sports. “He’s playing out of position but the best players can do that and do it really well.”

“We definitely needed that reaction.

“We’ve got to take it by game but hopefully perform like that all the time.”