Enzo Maresca’s prediction after Joao Pedro joined Chelsea has come back to bite him after the rise of the Brazilian star at Stamford Bridge.
Joao Pedro only joined Chelsea in the summer transfer window but he’s quickly grown into one of the first names on the teamsheet under Liam Rosenior.
Steve McManaman noticed just how much Pedro has developed under Rosenior compared to Enzo Maresca, and he’s absolutely right.
That’s now eight goals and five assists that Pedro has managed in the Premier League since the appointment of the new Chelsea boss, and he doesn’t look like stopping any time soon.
And what makes this even more intriguing is the fact that Enzo Maresca claimed Pedro wasn’t a 20 goal per season striker.
Enzo Maresca hang your head in shame 😬
Was he the problem?
Enzo Maresca's prediction about Joao Pedro was wrong
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Enzo Maresca claimed Joao Pedro wasn’t a natural goalscorer
Enzo Maresca may not be at Chelsea, but his previous comments are being dug up after being proved completely wrong by Joao Pedro.
Speaking back in October about Pedro, he stated that he’s not the type of striker who will score 20 goals in a season for Chelsea.
“The physical part is important. When you are not 100%, it is difficult to compete.
“Joao’s going to score goals and give us assists. He is not going to score 20 goals a year. He’s a different striker profile”.
Well, Pedro now has 17 goals so far this season.
BARGAIN: How much is Joao Pedro worth now? 🔥
Chelsea paid £60m last summer.
What changed for Joao Pedro under Liam Rosenior
While Maresca viewed Pedro as a versatile utility player, often questioning his ability to lead the line alone and preferring him as a deep-lying number 10, Rosenior has reimagined him as a traditional, aggressive number 9.
Under the previous regime, Pedro often drifted into midfield to facilitate play, resulting in a frustrating seven-game goal drought and a lack of presence in the six-yard box. Rosenior has corrected this by demanding intensity over control, instructing the Brazilian to stay between the goalposts.
The results have been immediate, with Pedro netting 10 goals in just 12 games since the managerial switch. By providing the player with absolute tactical clarity and public backing as Chelsea’s primary finisher, Rosenior has unlocked a clinical edge that Maresca struggled to see.
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