There are a number of Chelsea stars whose talent deserves all the plaudits, but for some, praise is harder to come by.
With how this Chelsea squad is built, being an elite young talent is just the base requirement.
The Blues have become one of the best and most effective recruiters in world football, and continue to focus heavily on youth. They have found plenty of joy pulling from the talent pool of South Americans.
Signings like Moises Caicedo, Estevao Willian and Joao Pedro have all taken to life in West London with ease, and it’s the latter who is getting recognition from a Série A great after plenty of criticism this season.
Chelsea forward Joao Pedro looking surprised
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Gabriel Barbosa gives Joao Pedro some serious praise
Gabriel Barbosa, or Gabigol, is one of the best strikers the Brazilian Série A has to offer.
He is currently sixth on the all-time goalscoring list, but at just 29, there’s every reason to believe he will be nearing the top spot by the end of his career.
While his move to Inter Milan as a teenager didn’t quite pan out, he’s still a quality forward with 18 caps and five goals for Brazil. He recently discussed his compatriot Joao Pedro, and had nothing but good things to say.
Appearing on Podpah, Barbosa was discussing Brazil’s current attacking options, and the unfair criticism some receive.
He said: ““Rodrygo. Rodrygo. I’m a fan. It’s just that people don’t realise it, but Rodrygo plays great football, He plays great football. He’s the only one at Real Madrid who can play in every position. They say he’s bad? My god!”
The host replied: “João Pedro too, who’s at Chelsea.”
On the Chelsea star, Barbosa had just one word worth using: “Phenomenon. I like him too. I found him, I saw him in Rio. I said, ‘Ah, this is our number nine.’ You know?”
Should the Brazilian lead the line today?
Newcastle are as physical a team as we will face 🤝
Joao Pedro almost ended up at Newcastle!
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The 24-year-old started on a mind-boggling run of form from the Club World Cup through to the opening weeks of the season.
Despite how well he has performed at times this season, he gets far more criticism than praise.
Pedro then went through a drought at Chelsea, but has been getting back amongst the goals in recent weeks. That he is getting shouts in the same breath as Rodrygo further reinforces just how talented he is.
Joao Pedro crucial for Chelsea with Liam Delap injured
It’s funny. When you look at the squad for next season, it looks like the Blues might have too many strikers.
This season, though, they look a bit short with Liam Delap out of action. Pedro and Marc Guiu are the only recognised number nines, and even then, many think Pedro is not a striker.
RANK: Chelsea’s striker options
Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Pedro Neto, Marc Guiu and Tyrique George
Pedro Neto of Chelsea FC (R) celebrates with his teammate Liam Delap (L)
Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
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But he will need to be for the time being, with games coming thick and fast.
We have seen his goalscoring prowess both at Stamford Bridge and at Brighton. We need to see it now more than ever.
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