Joao Pedro has already made a starting place in Enzo Maresca's strongest Chelsea team his own just 10 days on from completing £60m move, according to Callum Wilson
Chelseas Joao Pedro celebrates his opening goal against Fluminense
Chelseas Joao Pedro celebrates his opening goal against Fluminense
(Image: AP)
Chelsea’s first-choice striker spot is already Joao Pedro’s to lose. That is the view of Callum Wilson, the recent free agent who has been working at FIFA’s Club World Cup as a pundit.
And the former Newcastle star reckons Enzo Maresca should be delighted to have such depth up top – even if the same cannot be said for his players.
Joao Pedro arrived 10 days ago in a £60m deal from Brighton and scored both goals in the semi-final to tee up Sunday night’s showdown with Paris Saint-Germain.
But he has also benefited from Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap, who was signed for £30m last month from Ipswich, both getting themselves suspended and that highlights how quick things can change at a club so willing to spend in the transfer market.
“He’s got fantastic options, world class options,” Wilson said of Maresca’s depth. “They can all play across the front line, they are all different strikers, versatile and can all score goals. “So for him it’s fantastic. For the players it’s not ideal when you’ve got three strikers going for one position.
“But then it’s down to you, really. How much do you want it? Are you hungry enough? Do you want to fight? And when you get the shirt can you make sure to keep the shirt? Getting yourself suspended is giving someone else an opportunity.
That’s what I’ve seen throughout the tournament and how quickly football changes. They have gone from having two strikers in Delap and Jackson. Jackson got suspended, Delap was playing really well and getting himself a goal before then getting himself suspended. Your new signing comes in, plays well as a sub and then scores a brace. Now it’s his shirt to lose.”
Nicolas Jackson makes a rash challenge of Ayrton Lucas
Nicolas Jackson will not be available for selection(Image: FIFA via Getty Images)
AC Milan have reportedly shown an interest in signing Jackson, even if Chelsea will demand a top price for the Senegal international.
And with him serving a separate ban at the beginning of the new Premier League campaign, Wilson fears he may struggle to get back into Maresca’s strongest XI.
He added: “With Jackson not available for the start of the new season as well, unfortunately it’s going to be an uphill battle straight away for him.
“But that’s football. When you’re at a top club like Chelsea, they have fantastic players, they have fantastic amounts of money to spend as well so you can always be replaced in a short space of time and you will always have competition. When you join Chelsea then you know that’s the way it’s going to be.”
Callum Wilson was speaking on behalf of DAZN ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup final on Sunday, July 13. Watch for free live on DAZN.
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