Joao Pedro is already repaying Xabi Alonso’s faith as Chelsea’s first-choice centre forward
Chelsea attackers don’t get long to prove their worth. Liam Delap, for example, was shipped off to Nottingham Forest this summer after just one season at the club. Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu, David Datro Fofana, Christopher Nkunku and João Félix were similarly dumped on the Stamford Bridge scrapheap.
João Pedro has so far proved himself to be an exception. The Brazilian scored 15 league goals in his debut season as a Chelsea player and looks to have taken another step forward over the summer. Xabi Alonso has placed his faith in Pedro and he is already repaying the Blues boss for that belief.
By scoring seven goals in back-to-back wins over Fulham and Brighton, Chelsea have started the season in electric attacking form and Pedro has more than played his part. The 24-year-old has registered four goal contributions (two goals and two assists) in a forward line that could be as threatening as any other in the Premier League right now.
Some of Chelsea’s attacking sequences against Fulham and Brighton were lightning quick. Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Pedro all appear to be on the same wavelength such is the trio’s natural understanding and ability to interchange and move around each other in the final third.
Alonso wants his teams to play at speed. Chelsea had just 26% of possession in the win over Brighton, something that Alonso will want to address over the course of the season. By conceding control of the ball, though, the Blues were able to attack open space on the break. Pedro is more than comfortable with this brief.
“He’s very hungry. João is really, really determined to have a great season,” said Alonso. “’He wants to – after a great last year, where he scored many goals – I think that he wants to keep scoring more and more. But we need to help him, as on his own it’s not possible. He will have the players around him and they need to have this hunger to score as well. It’s not just about the striker, but every time that we win and our striker scores, I am happy.”
Even as Chelsea evolve their playing style, Pedro’s all-round game will be a good fit for Alonso’s vision. The Brazilian can hold up the ball and bring others into the play. He can dribble past an opponent and has a creative streak, as illustrated by the five assists he notched in the Premier League last season.
Pedro charted a higher Expected Goals (xG) than any other Chelsea last season. Only Palmer averaged more shots on target per 90 minutes than the Brazilian, highlighting his natural knack for taking up good positions in and around the penalty box. Alonso has clearly seen this and is using Pedro as a focal point.
When Pedro joined Chelsea in a £60m deal from Brighton a year ago, there was a debate about his best position. The Brazilian can operate as a second striker or a number 10. He is also comfortable in a wide position, but it is through the middle where Pedro is most effective.
Chelsea’s defensive vulnerability might prevent them from challenging for the Premier League title this season. While Alonso’s side have caught the eye as an attacking force, scoring seven times, they have also allowed five goals. They would have conceded more against Brighton had it not been for Emi Martínez who marked his debut with four saves.
The defensive situation might improve once Moisés Caicedo is available again. The Ecuadorian offers more protection for the back four while Reece James will give Chelsea greater control of possession once he is back from injury. Alonso is having to make do with a makeshift midfield for the time being.
In Pedro, though, Chelsea have a centre forward capable of leading the line for a title-challenging team. Erling Haaland might be the Premier League’s most ruthless penalty box finisher, but Pedro might be the centre forward in the division with the most complete skill set.
Carlo Ancelotti’s bizarre decision to leave Pedro out of his Brazil squad for the World Cup gave the 24-year-old time to rest up over the summer. Brazil’s loss has been Chelsea’s gain with Pedro fit and fresh for the start of the season. He is performing at the peak of his powers and there is still much more to come.
Alonso hasn’t been in the job at Stamford Bridge for long, but the former midfielder is already reshaping Chelsea in his own image. The Blues were busy in the summer transfer window finding players to fit the new manager’s system and approach. Pedro, however, was just waiting for someone like Alonso to find another level.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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