Xabi Alonso has praised João Pedro’s ambition after the Chelsea forward started pre-season with a nine-minute hat-trick against Western Sydney Wanderers.
Pedro came off the bench and scored three late goals as Chelsea recovered to secure a dramatic 6-4 victory in Alonso’s first public match as manager.
The Brazilian returned to club duty after missing out on selection for the World Cup. Alonso believes that disappointment has increased his determination ahead of his second campaign at Stamford Bridge.
“He’s very hungry,” Alonso told Chelsea’s official website.
“He is really, really determined to have a great season.”
João Pedro Chelsea season expectations increase
Pedro scored 20 goals across all competitions during his debut campaign and was voted Chelsea’s Player of the Season by supporters.
Alonso now wants the 24-year-old to build on those numbers. However, the Chelsea manager stressed that Pedro will need support from the attacking players around him.
Pedro offered an early demonstration of his quality in Sydney. Chelsea trailed 4-3 before he scored three times between the 80th and 89th minutes to complete the comeback.
His performance also strengthened his position in a crowded attacking department.
Liam Delap started through the middle against Western Sydney but was replaced before Pedro’s decisive contribution. Several Premier League clubs are now exploring a move for Delap, as detailed in ReadChelsea’s latest transfer update.
Chelsea are also adding Danny Welbeck, while Emmanuel Emegha and Nicolas Jackson remain part of the wider striker picture.
Pedro enters the new season with significant competition, but Alonso’s comments underline his importance. His combination of goals, movement and positional flexibility should make him one of the central figures in Chelsea’s attack.
