Exceptional player — EPL legend claims Chelsea have game-changer to help fight for title

Chelsea secured the signature of João Pedro from Brighton for £60 million at the beginning of July, and the striker made an immediate impact, scoring five goals in six appearances since moving to Stamford Bridge.

Following a standout season at Brighton, where he scored 10 goals and provided seven assists, Pedro is now focused on furthering his development under Maresca’s guidance at Stamford Bridge. Before Brighton, the 23-year-old spent three years at Watford, where he netted 24 goals.

Former Watford teammate Troy Deeney, who played alongside Pedro at Vicarage Road, has tipped the young forward for greatness at Chelsea. Speaking on talkSPORT, Deeney said,

“He is all or nothing Joao, he’s an exceptional football player. He’s passionate, he’s energetic, he wants to win, he wants to play every minute of every game. I think at Chelsea, you’re going to see the real Joao Pedro, which is one that enjoys competition, one that believes he should be starting for Brazil, and wants to show ‘here’s who I am’.

"I’ve seen this player since he was 18 years old, and the mentality has not changed. It’s always been, ‘I want to be the best, I want to play for my national team, I want to be the new R9.”

Pedro’s arrival has paved the way for Nicolas Jackson’s potential exit, with the Senegalese striker linked to several clubs, including Manchester United.