Joao Pedro will hope to have a Chelsea career like Diego Costa, who won two Premier League titles during his time in west London.
In both of those seasons, Costa finished as Chelsea’s top scorer in the English top flight, netting 20 times in each campaign.
It is unlikely that Pedro will hit that figure this term. After 22 games, the 24-year-old has scored seven goals.
How would you rate Joao Pedro’s start to life at Chelsea?
Joao Pedro during Newcastle United v Chelsea in Premier League
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Pleased? Underwhelmed? Let us know!
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Right now, Liam Rosenior is pleased with Pedro, but Costa thinks the new Chelsea manager may have to tweak some things if he wants even more from him.
Diego Costa and Katie Chapman on the team bus
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Diego Costa recommends playing Joao Pedro alongside another forward
This season, Pedro has been used as a lone No.9 or as an attacking midfielder. Because of injuries to Liam Delap and Cole Palmer, Chelsea have had to lean on his versatility.
Going forward, though, Costa thinks the Brazilian needs to play alongside another centre-forward who can hold up the ball.
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, he said: “I watched Pedro’s matches when he signed in the summer during the Club World Cup in the USA. He’s a player who can play the role of number nine or number 10. I think his best version is going to be having someone next to him because he’s a striker who can influence a lot.
“He has great technique. He knows how to finish. He’s very good. So when they have someone who is there holding the ball, he can have a little bit more freedom. That’s where he will play his best. He’s strong and knows how to hold the ball. He needs to play in front of the goal. That’s my opinion.”
Costa’s words would suggest that he wants to see Pedro playing as a second striker and not dropping too deep like a No.10.
It could also imply Pedro starting right next to another No.9, though two-striker formations like the 4-4-2 are very rare these days.
Pedro has come under fire for his lack of impact at times during the current campaign, but he remains Chelsea’s top goalscorer.
Joao Pedro of Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between Chelsea FC and Pafos FC
Photo by Steve Bardens – AMA/Getty Images
Joao Pedro and Liam Delap combo could work
In terms of having a partner up front, Delap probably fits the profile that Costa is talking about. The 22-year-old is a big, physical centre-forward who can hold up the ball.
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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There are areas of his game that he needs to improve. Like Costa, Delap gets into way too many unnecessary skirmishes on the pitch, while he is not getting involved in games enough.
However, in the near future, Delap may be able to complement Pedro once he fully adapts to playing in this Chelsea team.
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