Joao Pedro explains chemistry behind Chelsea's lethal front three
Chelsea/X.com
Chelsea have scored 18 goals in six matches under Xabi Alonso, with Joao Pedro leading the line flanked by Rogers on the left and Palmer on the right. The trio's fluidity allows them to interchange freely, dragging defenders out of position and creating space for teammates to exploit, and Joao Pedro has continued his strong second-half-of-last-season form into the new campaign with a goal and an assist apiece against Fulham, Brighton and Hull.
The Brazilian credits much of his own output to the qualities of those either side of him, speaking to Chelsea's official website.
"Cole can score, he can pass, he can score from free-kicks, he can do everything," Joao Pedro said. "He's a different player. That's what makes him special. I just have to be ready when he gets the ball.
"I need to be in the right position to make the run, because he's going to make a brilliant pass, so I have to be ready to score. Because if not, later he's going to say, 'Hey, Joao, you need to give me an assist!'"
He was similarly effusive about Rogers, Chelsea's big-money summer signing from Aston Villa.
"Morgan is a very skilful player," Joao Pedro said. "We can see he can dribble past two, three guys, and carry the ball. That's what we expect from him, and I think he has started very well."
The Brazilian explained how his own passing varies depending on which teammate he is trying to find.
"With Cole, I try to always give the ball to his feet. With Morgan it's more to the space, or to let him in a one-v-one situation. And my job is just to run, and then they're going to find me."
Joao Pedro added that the trio's understanding extends beyond the pitch, with the relationships they have built off it helping their combinations during matches. He also explained why he is happy to operate through the middle rather than in a deeper, creative role.
"Imagine if I try to play as a number 10, I need to fight positions with Cole Palmer," he joked. "So it's better if I stay as a nine."
Chelsea's next assignment before the international break, during which Joao Pedro will represent Brazil, takes them to Brentford. The forward pointed to head coach Alonso's message to the squad as central to their attacking output so far this season.
"Everyone wants to score, and Xabi tells us always, it doesn't matter what happens, you just need to be focused and be connected to the game and you're going to score," he said. "That's why we score many goals this season from the beginning, because I think in the front three you can create a lot. And if you create a lot, you're going to score a lot of goals as well."