Imagine making your first start for a new club in a major tournament semi-final… while technically still tied to another team during the group stage. Welcome to the quirky world of the expanded Club World Cup, and the even quirkier reality for Chelsea`s newest attacker, Joao Pedro. Against Fluminense in the semi-final, the 23-year-old Brazilian didn`t just participate; he left an undeniable mark, scoring a brace in Chelsea`s 2-0 victory.
His impact was instant. In the 16th minute, displaying predatory instinct, he capitalized on a deflection near the edge of the box. A couple of quick touches to set himself, a perfectly curled shot with pace, and it nestled into the top right corner of the net. A stunning opener and a clear statement.
More impressive still, arguably, was his second goal in the 56th minute. It involved a lengthy, dynamic run into the box, beating a defender with skill before finding a sliver of space and sending the ball clinically into the back of the net. This wasn`t just capitalizing on circumstances; it was a demonstration of high-level technical skill, pace, and composure under pressure. It was, without doubt, an impressive first start, putting him one game away from lifting his first trophy with his new teammates.
This performance arrives amidst Chelsea`s rather crowded attacking department. With roughly 20 players vying for forward spots, it`s less a team sheet and more a potentially chaotic game of musical chairs. Manager Enzo Maresca has openly stated his preference for multiple goal threats, aiming for `four, five players scoring 10, 12 goals each` rather than relying heavily on one prolific striker. Joao Pedro, signed from Brighton for his versatility across the front line, fits this philosophy perfectly.
However practical this strategy might be – particularly with a UEFA Champions League campaign on the horizon – it creates intense competition for minutes. Even after potential departures, the battle for places will be fierce, and Joao Pedro is wasting no time in pushing himself to the forefront of the manager`s thoughts.
Maresca wasn`t surprised by the quality shown. He noted Joao Pedro`s suitability for breaking down teams that sit deep, a common challenge Chelsea faces. He also added, perhaps with a touch of humor or cultural observation, that “most of the Brazilian players, they are very happy. They enjoy with the football.” This natural enjoyment and passion for the game is clearly visible in Joao Pedro`s energetic performance.
Teammates like fellow Brazilian Andrey Santos confirmed that Joao Pedro has settled in well, praising his “amazing” and “smart” approach to training and integrating into the squad. He relies, according to Santos, on the natural quality that prompted Chelsea to invest in him.
Curiously, Maresca also suggested Joao Pedro`s recent holiday might have given him a slight edge in terms of physical freshness compared to the others – a unique advantage in this unusual, condensed tournament structure being played out across different continents. A vacation boosting a multi-million dollar debut? Only in the new Club World Cup.
While his place in the starting lineup against his former club was partly circumstantial – aided by a teammate`s suspension (Liam Delap) and other injuries – it was Joao Pedro`s inherent skill that allowed him to seize the opportunity so decisively. Circumstance opened the door, but quality burst through it.
Looking ahead to the final, Maresca faces the pleasant but difficult task of selecting his best attacking lineup. For Joao Pedro, the hard work has just begun. His performance offers a tantalizing glimpse, but the big question remains: can he consistently produce this level to justify the reported $75 million fee paid to Brighton & Hove Albion?
His 10 goals last season for Brighton included five penalties, and his underlying expected goals (xG) statistics per 90 minutes were reportedly lower than those of current Chelsea players Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke (though Madueke`s future at the club is uncertain). The challenge isn`t just scoring; it`s proving he can maximize his talents within this competitive squad, under a relatively inexperienced manager like Maresca. In the chaotic, high-stakes game of becoming Chelsea`s next key goalscorer, Joao Pedro`s debut brace ensures he is, for now, very much an active participant at the center of the dance floor.
As Maresca himself cautiously noted, one game doesn`t define a season, and Joao Pedro won`t be “all season like this.” However, having this kind of impactful option available is undeniably “good” for Chelsea as they navigate a demanding schedule and seek to build a formidable attacking unit for the future.
Gareth Pendleton