Watching his performances at the Club World Cup, everyone immediately thought that Chelsea forward Joao Pedro was an upgrade on Nicolas Jackson.
However, Pedro is yet to prove that in the Premier League this season, with the 24-year-old scoring just four goals in 15 games so far.
Pedro has not played every game up front, though he could be about to get more opportunities there following the injury to Liam Delap’s shoulder. Pedro is the natural replacement for Delap, capable of starting as a No.9 or No.10.
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Whatever happens, for now, Jackson trumps the Brazilian in a key area for offensive players.
Chelsea forward Joao Pedro looking surprised
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Joao Pedro is averaging fewer shots than Nicolas Jackson at Chelsea
As per The Standard, Pedro is only making 1.75 shots per game this season. That is significantly lower compared to Jackson’s average last term, which was 3.08 per game.
It is no wonder that Pedro has only scored four goals in the Premier League and is yet to find the back of the net in the Champions League.
All in all, the Brazilian is not taking enough shots, which needs to change, especially if he is going to be the main No.9 in the absence of Delap.
Of course, Pedro is not the only alternative Chelsea have to Delap. There is Marc Guiu, while Pedro Neto can also play up front.
Neto has no issues being deployed as a No.9, enjoying playing there. In the Blues’ upcoming fixtures, it would not be a surprise to see him rotate with Pedro in the position.
Nicolas Jackson #15 of Chelsea FC is substituted on to replace teammate Joao Pedro #20
Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images
What Enzo Maresca needs to do to bring Club World Cup version of Joao Pedro back
Pedro is obviously a quality attacking player. Everyone saw that at the Club World Cup and the beginning of the Premier League campaign. Maresca just needs to find a way to help him rediscover that form.
Starting the Brazil international up front and telling him not to drop so deep all of the time will help. He should find himself in more goalscoring opportunities by doing so.
Playing Cole Palmer in the No.10 position will also help. They connected so well in the US over the summer.
If Maresca does these things, it may not be too long before Chelsea supporters see the best of Pedro again.
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