João Pedro praises ‘unique’ season at Chelsea – could he be Brazil’s top No. 9?
João Pedro has praised his “remarkable” inaugural season at Chelsea after positioning himself as a contender to spearhead Brazil’s attack at this summer’s World Cup.
Only Erling Haaland of Manchester City has netted more goals from open play in the Premier League this season than João Pedro, whose 14 goals thus far mark his highest tally in English football.
Since the beginning of the year, the Chelsea forward has accumulated 16 goals and assists combined across all club competitions, ranking just behind Bayern Munich and England’s Harry Kane, as well as Bundesliga’s Deniz Undav among Europe’s top five leagues.
João Pedro, who joined Chelsea for £60 million ($80m) from Brighton last August, stated to UEFA.com: “I believe my first year at Chelsea has been remarkable.”
“I came here to contribute. I feel I’ve been demonstrating good form. I am a player who constantly seeks to enhance my skills and reach my utmost potential.”
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior concurred in a recent press briefing that João Pedro is “in that category” alongside Haaland and Kane, asserting: “He is a world-class striker. I wouldn’t trade João for anyone at this moment.”
João Pedro remarked: “When the new manager came in, we had multiple discussions. I believe my performance is significantly influenced by those conversations, as he has shown a genuine desire to assist me in improving. When you sense that backing from your manager, you naturally strive to push yourself harder each day.”
The 24-year-old has reportedly emerged as the leading candidate to lead the line for Carlo Ancelotti’s squad at the upcoming tournament.
His primary competitors are mainly from the Premier League, with Tottenham’s Richarlison frequently starting for the national team and Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha also included in their latest squad — the duo has scored eight and six league goals respectively this season.
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Igor Thiago is currently second to Haaland in the Golden Boot race, with the Brentford player’s 18-goal total including six from penalties. João Pedro is positioned fourth behind Haaland’s teammate Antoine Semenyo.
Vitor Roque has been prolific for Palmeiras, having returned to Brazil after struggling to make an impact at Barcelona. João Pedro’s Chelsea teammate Estêvão and Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior offer options from the flanks, along with Luiz Henrique of Zenit St Petersburg. Another Real star, Rodrygo, will be absent from the World Cup due to a cruciate knee ligament injury.
