Joao Pedro put Aston Villa to the sword on Wednesday night, scoring a superb hat-trick, and Steve McManaman thinks Liam Rosenior is better-suited to the Chelsea star than Enzo Maresca was.
Chelsea needed a win after going three Premier League games without a win. The victory was crucial in reigniting their hopes of Champions League qualification, jumping back into fifth ahead of Liverpool.
Pedro got himself a hat-trick on the night, as Chelsea came from behind to beat Villa. Cole Palmer also got his name on the score sheet as Chelsea get back to winning ways. Pedro has 10 goals under Rosenior.
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Chelsea player ratings vs Aston Villa
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Steve McManaman was on co-commentary duties for TNT Sports, and just before half-time, the former Real Madrid and Liverpool star discussed the improved form of the £60m star since Rosenior came in.
Steve McManaman says Rosenior better for Pedro than Maresca
Pedro had made a good start to life at Chelsea following his move from Brighton, without pulling up trees. But under Rosenior, the former Watford star has really taken his game to a whole new level.
Newcastle United v Chelsea - Premier League
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McManaman said: “The main thing is that he doesn’t need to drop, or go out wide. He just needs to stay in the right areas, and score goals and he will become an absolute superstar, just by doing that.
“Leave it to Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, Garnacho, to set him up, as long as he puts it in the back of the net, that’s all he needs to do. It’s about having the right manager, and right people around you,” he said.
Pedro equals his record under Maresca, with Rosenior
Playing 29 times in all competitions for Chelsea under Maresca, Pedro had scored 10 goals and laid on four more assists. A solid effort, averaging a goal or an assist in every other game. Very solid form.
BARGAIN: How much is Joao Pedro worth now? 🔥
Chelsea paid £60m last summer.
But under Rosenior in just 12 outings, Pedro has 10 goals and five assists. Quite incredible numbers from the Chelsea striker who claims he had been playing with an injury during the first half of the season.
Pedro is likely to earn himself a rest this weekend when Chelsea take on Championship high-flyers Wrexham in the fifth round of the FA Cup, ahead of the first leg against PSG in the Champions League.
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