Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Joao Pedro’s impressive start to the new season has continued after the striker scored in Chelsea’s 4-3 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
It follows his strike against Fulham last Monday, which helped Chelsea win 3-2 at Craven Cottage.
Pedro also set up one of the Blues’ goals at the weekend, meaning that the 24-year-old already has two goals and two assists in just two Premier League appearances so far.
It is great news for anyone who has Pedro in their Fantasy Premier League team, which is pretty much everyone right now! Pedro started the season with a value of just £7.5m, making him an absolute bargain on the game.
Understandably, Pedro is earning rave reviews from the media back home, including from Trivela. They have been quick to comment on his all-around game and not just the goal he scored.
“Beyond the goal and the missed chance, Joao Pedro had a great game,” they wrote following the full-time whistle.
“He showed quality as a pivot, dropping deep to help build attacks and dribbling to create plays even while withstanding pressure from the opposition. He had moments of backheel passes and even a nutmeg.”
For many, that is what stands out about Pedro’s game compared to other strikers, the fact that the Brazil international is so good at holding up the ball, winning fouls and linking up with his teammates. On the counter-attack, Pedro is also brilliant at dribbling with the ball and getting past midfielders and defenders, as mentioned.
Joao Pedro of Chelsea
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Joao Pedro’s stats vs Brighton
Really, Pedro should have had another goal after missing one sitter, while an own goal meant it was not the perfect afternoon for the former Brighton man.
READ MORE:Pedro Neto gives big hint he wants to stay at Chelsea after scoring in Brighton triumph
According to Sofascore, Pedro had an xG of 1.23 after taking a total of five shots. He missed one big chance but was able to complete four out of five dribbles, which is impressive.
Pedro made two key passes as well, so he was a real threat in the final third. Overall, despite that missed opportunity and own goal, it was still an excellent performance from Pedro. One that has impressed the Brazilian media and no doubt Xabi Alonso as well.