Chelsea take on West Ham United this Friday in another London derby after facing Crystal Palace last weekend.
It is a game that will see Enzo Maresca return to the London Stadium after the 45-year-old had a spell there as an assistant coach.
Building up to the match in his pre-match press conference, Maresca spoke about various topics, including Joao Pedro‘s best position.
The last time Chelsea travelled to the London Stadium, they won 3-0. Nicolas Jackson netted twice on the day, while Cole Palmer grabbed the Blues’ other goal.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca speaks during a pre-match press conference before facing Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca on Joao Pedro’s versatility
Since joining Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion, Pedro has played up front and made a real impact there.
The 23-year-old scored three goals at the Club World Cup playing as striker, including against Paris Saint-Germain in the final.
However, Maresca has hinted that he could use Pedro in different roles as the season goes on, confident that the Brazilian can play in a total of five different positions.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Friday’s game against West Ham, the Chelsea boss said: “Joao, with us, can play in the five positions up front; winger, behind the striker. As a No.9, or behind the striker, is his best position. He can play in all the attacking positions for us.”
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Pedro has made quite the impression on his teammates since arriving at Chelsea. When Palmer spoke about Pedro earlier, he said: “He’s so good, man.”
Joao Pedro looks on during Chelsea v Crystal Palace - Premier League
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Joao Pedro could start out wide against West Ham
Maresca starting Pedro on the left at the London Stadium would not be the biggest shock. Jamie Gittens did not really impress there last weekend, and Maresca may decide that he wants to get Liam Delap into the team. To do that, he may have to drop Gittens and move Pedro over to his position.
Since leaving West Ham, Maresca has gone on to win promotion to the Premier League with Leicester City, while last season he was able to guide Chelsea to the Conference League and Club World Cup trophies.
Former West Ham star Robert Snodgrass predicted Maresca to have a successful career, a forecast the retired Scotland international has got right.