Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has revealed how he plans to utilise Joao Pedro in his team next season.
The Brazilian joined Chelsea at the start of July – and was quickly flown out to join his new teammates at the FIFA Club World Cup – with an instant impact made.
He scored a brace against Fluminense in the semifinals of the tournament and backed that up with a goal in the 3-0 final win over Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite the lack of time together, the former Brighton & Hove Albion star has developed a immediate partnership with Cole Palmer, that looks certain to worry Premier League defences.
After seeing the duo combine to great effect against Fluminense and PSG, some domestic rivals may consider deploying a low block against the Blues in the months ahead, but Maresca has a plan.
Positional flexibility is a vital part of Joao Pedro’s overall game and that will be vital to his ongoing link up with England star Palmer.
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How Maresca plans to use Joao Pedro at Chelsea
Some of the clubs lower down the Premier League table will be looking to plan for Pedro when they take on Chelsea next season.
Maresca is aware of that, and will utilise the 23-year-old differently, up against teams who like to use a low defensive block.
“I can say Joao is an amazing player,” Maresca told Chelsea’s official website.
“We can use him against teams that defend in a very low block with no spaces, because he’s really good in tight spaces.”
Pedro is just one of three senior specialist strikers Maresca can call on, with the Chelsea manager also having Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson at his disposal.
But there’s no guarantee Jackson will still be at the club by the end of the transfer window, with the Senegal international reportedly attracting interest from Manchester United.
Jackson is rumoured to be frustrated by slipping down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge and he could be tempted by a new challenge elsewhere.
