Chelsea are not exactly short of riches in the forward department, but Joao Pedro may have just given himself a head start over his new attacking colleagues before Sunday’s Club World Cup final.
The former Brighton striker was handed his first start in the semi-final against Fluminense – his boyhood side – and announced his arrival with two stunning strikes either side of half-time.
The Brazilian found the net with two of his three attempts, and with both his efforts on target. Only Christopher Nkunku registered as many shots, while no other Blues player had as many shots on target.
Pedro also gave Chelsea an attacking focal point, competing in nine duels and four aerial duels before being replaced by Nicolas Jackson on the hour mark.
Only Nkunku and Moises Caicedo – both of whom were on the pitch a lot longer – registered more duels overall, with only Marc Cucurella and Trevoh Chalobah taking part in as many aerial tussles.
“It’s not just the goals,” said ex-Real Madrid, Tottenham and Wales winger Gareth Bale on DAZN. “It’s the link-up play, it’s the passing, it’s the vision. It was a great all-round performance.
“This is the next step up in his career. He’s on the right trajectory. We can see the ability he’s got and hopefully he can keep kicking on.”
England forward Callum Wilson, who has just left Newcastle United, added: “He’s already a player with confidence but he will have wanted to hit the ground running straight away and that’s exactly what he has done.
“What a signing he could turn out to be.”
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