Joao Pedro is rapidly becoming a crucial piece to Chelsea’s attack. It’s his unmatched versatility that has raised the entire team’s level of play. The 23-year-old forward currently leads the club’s offensive contributions, tallying two goals and three assists across four starts this season. With Nico Jackson sold to Bayern Munich as well, the pressure on Pedro is on. With Liam Delap currently nursing a hamstring injury, Pedro has to make staying in top peak fitness and form priorities now.
Joao Pedro was born in Ribeirao Preto, the interior of Sao Paulo state. His adventure through English football started more than five years back when he signed for Watford as an 18-year-old. Having begun his career as a defensive midfielder at Fluminense, he frequently dropped deep against the Eagles. His innate goal-scoring ability demanded a shift to a more attacking role. This tactical change allowed him to thrive in the final third as an attacker. Ultimately, it culminated in a transfer to Brighton, which saw him come alive as a big presence for manager Roberto De Zerbi.
In 2019−20, Injury-hit Pedro finished the season with 40 appearances for Brighton, scoring 20 goals and assisting nine times. His development under De Zerbi’s go-for-broke managerial approach has been key, though. “When I was at Watford I started getting a little bit complacent in my job and position. When I had to move to Brighton, he was in my ass every single day,” said Pedro. He praised the way De Zerbi’s revolutionary style of play has transformed the players career.
Chelsea obviously saw something in Pedro and signed him after his great season at Brighton. He joined the club literally in the midst of their full FIFA Club World Cup run. He even shortened his own summer vacations to dive in and make an immediate impact. This level of commitment illustrates his willingness to go above and beyond to make a difference and find success at Chelsea.
It’s been a tough campaign so far for Chelsea, but Joao Pedro has hit the ground running. Right now, he is first in the Premier League for goal involvements this season. His flexibility and propensity to produce in the clutch is imperative for a squad still reeling from inopportune injury absences and free agent exits. The 20-year-old forward out of the Academy paid close attention to conditioning and being ready once he started to play more regularly.
Just really got to pay attention to my body fitness-wise because I’m preparing myself to go back and play a lot more games, a lot more minutes,” Pedro said. The club has been behind me as well with really supporting me and making sure I’m on the pitch for every match.
In addition to his on-field contributions, Pedro has been proactive in his recovery regimen, working with a private physiotherapist to maintain his physical condition. “In the days when we train in the morning, always in the afternoon I try to do something to recover faster. He admitted that once he senses pain in one place immediately go there. His appetite is to be fit and available for selection for the next game as soon as possible.
Pedro does very well when the pressure is on. He’s noted the contrasting managerial approaches of De Zerbi and Chelsea’s current coaching staff. “I think both have a passion, they love football, they are very smart, but De Zerbi is more aggressive. Not in a bad way,” he commented. He continued, with the calm nature of Enzo Maresca’s approach to management and how that changes the dynamic in the squad, it is something that he enjoys.
Chelsea is a much more dynamic attack with Joao Pedro’s versatility and movement. His ability to interchange seamlessly between defense and attack on the pitch renders him a truly priceless asset. His adaptability and willingness to embrace challenges make him an invaluable asset for the team as they strive for success this season.
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