Premier League Hall of Famer Alan Shearer has questioned whether Joao Pedro is the right striker to take Chelsea to the next level. He believes the Brazilian is talented but unsure whether he can score regularly.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer said that Joao Pedro was not the ideal striker for Chelsea if they are looking to win the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. He said:
"I think Joao Pedro is a really, really talented player. Whether he’s enough to take Chelsea to the next level and to where they want to be in terms of titles and the champions League is a different conversation. But in terms of his ability, he’s excellent."
Former Premier League striker, Gary Lineker, said that Joao Pedro has gone under the radar this season despite his performances. He compared the Brazilian to Arsenal's Kai Havertz and said:
"Another goal for Joao Pedro at the weekend so let’s talk about signed strikers in the Premier League. Isak, Ekitike, Pedro, Gyokeres and Sesko were the big ones weren’t they last summer. Ekitike has done really well and similar numbers but Pedro has perhaps gone slightly under the radar in terms of how well he’s done.
"I think he’s a very good footballer, he’s technically very gifted. I think he’s a really good player, he does remind me a little bit of Kai Havertz. They’re similar type of players, both very technically gifted and they both almost glide around the pitch. I think he’s a really good player."
Joao Pedri has scored 11 goals in the Premier League this season and is the club's top scorer. He also has three goals in the UEFA Champions League, as many as he did in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Micah Richards believes Joao Pedro is not a striker for Chelsea
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards believes Joao Pedro is better as an attacking midfielder or a false nine. He praised the Chelsea star for his performances and his build-up play and said:
"He’s more of a No. 10 or a false nine. When you look at his goal record it’s very good considering the positions he takes up on the pitch. He goes very deep and links the play very well, he’s very clever and really good in the air actually. I think he’s done ever so well and we knew he was excellent from his time at Brighton."
Joao Pedro joined Chelsea for £60 million in the summer from Brighton & Hove Albion.