For many years now, Chelsea have been searching for a world-class striker. Of course, many fans cherish the days of Didier Drogba, the Ivorian who guided the Blues to both Premier League and Champions League glory, as well as several other trophies. Diego Costa belonged in that same category as well. But since the Spaniard left, after a falling out with Antonio Conte, nobody has filled his boots.
It has not been for a lack of trying on the part of Chelsea. They have signed a variety of players. Alvaro Morata was brought in after a 20-goal season with Real Madrid. Romelu Lukaku had powered Inter Milan to the Serie A title. Christopher Nkunku and Timo Werner had elite stats in the Bundesliga.
Nobody was able to carry forward the mantle of Drogba and Costa at Chelsea though. But finally, there seems to be some hope that the Blues have found their man.
Joao Pedro’s hat-trick against Aston Villa took his tally to 17 goals for the season. The Brazilian has been as good as anyone in the world since the turn of the year. He has 10 goals and 5 assists in 12 games under Liam Rosenior. Unsurprisingly, the manager has been left impressed with his first-choice number 9.
Rosenior compares Pedro with Kane, Haaland and Mbappe
Pedro has 14 non-penalty goals in the Premier League this season. That is comparable to some of the best players in the world. When you take out spot kicks, Erling Haaland has managed 19 in the league. Harry Kane has 20 in the Bundesliga. Kylian Mbappe has 15 in La Liga.
According to BBC Sport, when asked whether Pedro is operating at such a level, Rosenior told reporters: “Joao is in that category now. In the two months I’ve been here, he has consistently shown he is a world‑class striker.
“I talk about my players; it’s disrespectful to Erling to compare them. I don’t know Erling very well, but from the outside he looks a magnificent, world‑class striker.
“I wouldn’t swap Joao for anyone at this moment – he is showing all the qualities and attributes I want to see.
“The great thing for Joao is his age – he can still improve, and I’ve already noticed several areas where he can get better. But the level he’s operating at now is world class, and it’s my job, the club’s job and his job to keep him there.”
Have Chelsea found their long-term striker in Pedro?
Let’s not forget, Pedro has had his ups and downs at Chelsea. He started as well as possible. The Brazilian scored twice on his debut in the Club World Cup semi-final and then once in the final against PSG to win Chelsea the tournament.
He impressed in pre-season and at the start of the 25/26 campaign as well. But then, Pedro seemed to lose a lot of steam. From the start of September until the end of the first half of January, he scored just four times in 18 Premier League outings.
Also, at times, it felt like Enzo Maresca did not even view him as an out-and-out striker. Instead, he was played in the number 10 role on several occasions. The Brazilian’s technical ability meant that he never really looked out of place. But then, as we have seen under Rosenior, he is a phenomenal goalscorer in the right system. That is where he should be playing.
