Liverpool has seen significant upheaval this year, and Arne Slot’s ambitious venture appears to be on track. Preseason results should be read with caution, but the Dutchman’s style implementation is, to put it mildly, smooth.

The Reds are demonstrating their ability to play with the ball after overcoming Arsenal 2-1 in a friendly in Philadelphia. While supporters hope for some activity in the middle of the park this summer, such as the recruitment of a build-up expert to compete with Wataru Endo and orchestrate from the midfield’s basis, more work is needed elsewhere.

With Joel Matip’s contract expiring in June, Anfield’s central defence has long been viewed as in need of improvement; nevertheless, Jarell Quansah’s ascension has reduced the need for immediate investment.

The attacking teams desire additional firepower, especially as Mohamed Salah enters his final season. FSG appears to be ramping up their interest in the coming weeks, after sporting director Richard Hughes stated that Liverpool would experience a “crescendo” in August.

Liverpool is preparing to attack.
Liverpool is one of the top Premier League clubs interested in signing Pedro Neto this summer, according to Football Transfers, but Tottenham Hotspur is currently dominating the race.

Despite his recent injury setbacks, the 24-year-old remains one of the most sought-after wingers in English football, with title contenders Arsenal and Manchester City interested in him.

Wolverhampton Wanderers value the Portuguese winger at £60 million and expect him to be moved this summer. Because of his mobility on both wings, he might be the perfect acquisition for Liverpool as they prepare to return to the Champions League and write a new chapter in their history.

Why Liverpool could sign Pedro Neto.

Neto has been a familiar face in the Premier League since joining Wolves in an £8 million double swoop with Bruno Jordao from Serie A club Lazio in 2019.

He was just 19. Neto is now a fully-fledged sensation, having established himself as one of Wolves’ most talented players in modern history, with manager Gary O’Neil describing him as a “incredibly talented and physically very gifted player” at the start of the 2023-24 season.

ailments may have been his adversary, but Neto was able to elevate his game to an elite level last season, scoring three goals and providing 11 assists over 24 matches in all competitions, despite missing two significant periods with hamstring ailments.

Slot, like Jurgen Klopp, plays a physical style of football that stems from intense training sessions. However, unlike Klopp, the 46-year-old has a great fitness record from his past clubs, Feyenoord and AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands.

Furthermore, Neto is an experienced right flanker whose left-footedness allows him to slip inside and cause havoc. According to FBref, he was in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League for assists last season, as well as the top 9% for progressive carries per 90 minutes.

Although Liverpool fans are clamouring for Anthony Gordon to sign, the Portugal international would be a dynamic and flexible addition to the club’s powerful attacking lineup. In reality, this could be the best choice.

Pedro Neto and Anthony Gordon’s Comparison

Neto, dubbed a “pace monster” by commentator Ben Mattinson, would boost the overall flow of a Liverpool team that is reaching on the verge of triumph this season and provide another dimension to Slot’s wide play.

Slot, like Jurgen Klopp, plays a physically demanding game based on hard conditioning routines. However, unlike Klopp, the 46-year-old has an impressive fitness record from his two previous Dutch clubs, Feyenoord and AZ Alkmaar.

In addition, Neto is an experienced right flanker whose proclivity to shoot left allows him to drift inside and cause havoc. According to FBref, he was in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League in terms of assists last season, as well as the top 9% for progressive carries per ninety.

Although Anthony Gordon’s acquisition is much anticipated by Merseyside fans, the Portugal international would be a dynamic and adaptable addition to a potent offensive lineup. Actually, this may be a better option.

A comparison of Anthony Gordon and Pedro Neto

Neto, dubbed a “pace monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, would provide a new dimension to Slot’s wide play and enhance the overall flow of a Liverpool team that is already on the verge of triumph this season.

As you can see from the table above, Neto is a more creative and more progressive player than Gordon, at least, he performed as such last term. His goalscoring wasn’t at the same standard but he also played in a goal-shy Wolves team, tasked as the architect of the playmaking.

And a move to Slot’s Liverpool could alter that considerably, for the Anfield outfit created more big chances in the Premier League last year than any of their rivals (with 102).

Wolves, on the other hand, finished 16th (with 54 points), highlighting the significance of Neto’s innovative contributions. Newcastle, as an addendum, finished joint-second with 97 great chances created; one can only imagine the havoc Neto would have caused if placed on either of the northern sides.

Liverpool must recruit Neto this summer; this is not to diminish Gordon’s fascinating skill set, but the Portuguese, when fit and firing, is a force to be reckoned with and would significantly boost the Reds.