Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is very fortunate to have Joao Pedro in his squad.
There is no doubt that Pedro is one player whom Alonso is really looking forward to working with in the new Premier League campaign.
The 24-year-old scores goals, but he also offers versatility, making him a manager’s dream. Pedro has now revealed what has helped him to become such a flexible footballer.
Chelsea star Joao Pedro played in multiple positions as a youngster
Pedro prefers playing as a striker, but he can also start as a No.10 or on the wing. According to the Brazilian, his versatility stems from playing in so many different positions as a young player.
Speaking to Chelsea’s official club website, he said: “My position has always been number nine. But because I have good technique, I can come deeper or go to the wing. But I just want to play and help the team on the pitch.
“Sometimes I will be deep, sometimes in the box. What I can’t lose is the instinct of where I need to be on the pitch. Sometimes, in football, you just need to feel.”
Pedro eventually went on to add: “When I was younger, I played in different positions; I think it has helped me a lot. But we have top players in the middle of the pitch, so I will focus on scoring the goals!”
While Alonso may very well tap into Pedro’s versatility this season, the Brazil international will be expected to be Chelsea’s first-choice striker.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion man was the main centre-forward last term and is the best No.9 in his squad.
In total, Pedro scored 15 goals in 35 Premier League appearances, putting an end to the Chelsea striker curse. Let us see if he can now reach the 20-goal mark in the English top flight this upcoming campaign.
Joao Pedro of Chelsea controls the ball
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
All the positions Joao Pedro has played in
To put Pedro’s versatility into perspective, according to Transfermarkt, he has played as a centre-forward on 164 occasions and as a second striker 22 times.
The ex-Watford star has also played on the left wing 40 times, the right wing four times and in the attacking midfielder position 15 times.
In short, Pedro can operate anywhere across the frontline. But again, he will be Chelsea’s No.1 centre-forward this season.
While Pedro is set to remain at Stamford Bridge and lead the line for Alonso’s side, Liam Delap could depart west London.
Everton are interested in signing Delap and could be the perfect destination for him this summer.