In a statement that will excite the incoming Xabi Alonso, Joao Pedro has tipped one of his Chelsea teammates for even bigger things.
Joao Pedro enjoyed a spectacular debut season at Stamford Bridge, completely justifying his transfer by finishing as Chelsea‘s official Player of the Season. He managed to fire home an incredible 20 goals in all competitions, including 15 goals and five assists in the Premier League, but it could have been so much better had the Blues been a consistent side.
However, he’s not the only young player to have caught the eye at Stamford Bridge this season, as players like Estevao Willian, Jesse Derry and Shim Mheuka all made positive impacts.
Although it’s a more experienced player that Pedro has plenty of hope for moving forward.
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Players of Chelsea form a huddle
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Joao Pedro tips Reece James to be the best right-back in the world
When speaking to Rio Ferdinand on his podcast, Joao Pedro went through a whole host of his Chelsea teammates, with Reece James taking most of the praise.
The Brazilian believes that he can surpass Paris Saint-Germain right-back Achraf Hachimi to become the world’s best right-back if he can stay fit.
“I think if Reece [James] gets consistently fit, he’s gonna be the number one 100%, because Hakimi is more of a runner.
But Reece is more complete. He defends, he attacks, free-kicks, corners.”
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He cost £60m a year ago…
Reece James’ worrying injury history at Chelsea
Reece James’ potential has been overshadowed by a devastating, recurring hamstring problem that has plagued his entire Chelsea career.
The club captain has endured a brutal cycle of setbacks, suffering an incredible ten separate hamstring injuries since 2020, alongside severe knee and ankle issues. This fragile medical history has forced him to miss well over 130 competitive games for the Blues.
While the right-back showed immense resilience to play his most minutes in a single campaign since 2021 and secure a spot in England’s 2026 World Cup squad, his fitness remains an ongoing worry.
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