In a turn of events as unique as the revamped FIFA Club World Cup itself, new Chelsea signing Joao Pedro marked his first start for the club in dramatic fashion. Against his former side, Fluminense, in the semi-final held in East Rutherford, N.J., the young forward delivered a clinical two-goal performance, immediately staking his claim in a notoriously crowded Chelsea attack.
Pedro wasted no time making an impact. His opening goal in the 16th minute showcased finesse, a curling strike from the edge of the area that found the top corner after a deflection landed the ball at his feet. The second, scored in the 56th minute, demonstrated a different facet of his game: drive and precision. It involved a determined run into the box, beating a defender before executing a sharp, decisive finish. This double was, undoubtedly, an impressive introduction in a Chelsea shirt, positioning the team one match away from securing a trophy.
Chelsea signed the 23-year-old precisely for moments like these, though the circumstances surrounding his debut start – necessitated partly by a suspension and injuries – add a layer of intrigue. Manager Enzo Maresca elaborated on his vision for Pedro and the attacking unit pre-match, stating his preference for having “four, five players scoring 10, 12 goals each [rather] than just one striker [who can] score 40 goals.” This approach appears logical, perhaps even essential, given Chelsea`s current roster which boasts approximately 20 players classified as attackers. Maresca`s desire for distributed goal-scoring is pragmatic, especially with UEFA Champions League commitments on the horizon next season. Even after potential squad adjustments, the competition for playing time at Chelsea will be intense, and Pedro has wasted no time in pushing himself towards the forefront.
“We knew how [good] Joao is, in terms of [the] player,” Maresca commented post-match. “The reason why we brought him is because this season, we faced many teams with [a] low block and this quality is very good against this kind of team.” Maresca also lightheartedly noted an unusual advantage for his new signing: “I think another thing that is important about Joao is that he was on holiday, so probably is a bit more fresh compared to the rest. So it`s something that is probably also important to be aware of that, so happy for Joao.”
While his versatility is a known trait, the performance against Fluminense allowed him to demonstrate the technical quality and predatory instinct that makes him an engaging player to watch. The range displayed between the two goals – from a subtle flick for the first to a dynamic run and finish for the second – highlights a skill set valuable to any team, particularly a youthful Chelsea side aiming to build Europe`s next elite squad.
It is a remarkable showing for a player who, just days prior, was posting workout videos from Rio de Janeiro while his new team commenced their Club World Cup campaign thousands of miles away. Teammates, such as fellow Brazilian Andrey Santos, confirm he has settled in well, relying on his natural ability and dedication. “He`s amazing, he`s smart,” Santos stated, emphasizing his training ethic. “Today, he showed the quality.”
However, Tuesday`s performance, while showcasing skill, was also influenced by circumstance. While Pedro may well become a regular starter, his inclusion against Fluminense, of all opponents (his previous club before moving to Brighton and then Chelsea), was a direct result of the suspension to Liam Delap and other injuries. How Maresca intends to manage the immense depth in his attacking ranks remains one of the primary points of intrigue leading into Sunday`s final. A cup final often compels a manager to reveal what they truly consider their strongest lineup, at least for that pivotal match.
Pedro, too, faces the task of building a consistent body of work to justify the significant transfer fee, reported to be around $75 million from Brighton and Hove Albion. While Maresca projects a minimum 10-goal season for players like him, it is worth noting that five of Pedro`s goals for Brighton last season were penalties. Furthermore, underlying expected goals (xG) statistics suggest players already on Chelsea`s books, such as Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke (the latter reportedly linked with a move away), might theoretically offer a higher non-penalty goal threat per 90 minutes. The major question is whether Pedro can maximize his clear talents within the Chelsea framework, and whether the relatively inexperienced Maresca can consistently extract the best from this complex attacking ensemble. But for now, in Chelsea`s ongoing game of attacking musical chairs, Joao Pedro has not just found a seat; he`s occupied it with authority.
“This is exactly the way he showed [Tuesday],” Maresca concluded. “Doesn`t mean he`s going to be all season like this because it`s not going to happen but it`s good to have him and also as an option.”
