Chelsea TV Presenter Names 'Most Improved Player' Under Liam Rosenior
Chelsea TV presenter Jason Cundy has singled out Joao Pedro as the club's "most improved player" since Liam Rosenior assumed managerial duties at Stamford Bridge. Rosenior was appointed Chelsea manager last month following the departure of Enzo Maresca, and the team has shown significant progress under his leadership.
Impressive Start Under Rosenior
Chelsea have largely impressed since Rosenior took charge, winning eight of their first eleven games. The former Strasbourg boss has guided the Blues into the knockout stages of the Champions League and kept them competitive with resurgent top-four rivals like Manchester United. The only notable setback has been a Carabao Cup semi-final defeat to Arsenal, losing 4-2 across two legs.
Joao Pedro's Remarkable Development
Several Chelsea players have praised Rosenior's impact, and Cundy believes Joao Pedro has benefited immensely from the 41-year-old's appointment. Pedro, who joined Chelsea in a £60 million deal from Brighton last summer, has scored six goals in his last eight appearances across all competitions.
"I think Joao Pedro has probably been the most improved player," former Chelsea defender Cundy stated on talkSPORT. "I genuinely feel that his game has developed since Liam has come in. I don't know whether that's down to Liam or if it just coincides with Joao Pedro learning how to play that role better."
Enhanced Skills and Team Trust
Cundy highlighted Pedro's improved hold-up play, noting that playing as a lone number nine is a challenging role. "Players are now trusting him. That ball goes into him, he knows it's sticking and will time his run," Cundy explained. "There's an element of that going on, we look far more fluid. At the moment, Chelsea's best number nine is Joao Pedro, and I wouldn't have said three months ago that he would be this player. Hats off, he's really developed. And he runs in behind as well."
Competition and Recent Performances
Chelsea secured Pedro ahead of Newcastle United, and he has been preferred over fellow summer signing Liam Delap. Pedro's last goal came in Chelsea's 2-2 Premier League draw with Leeds United last week, where the Blues led 2-0 but conceded a late equalizer. He was rested for Chelsea's FA Cup clash against Rosenior's former club Hull City, which ended in a 4-0 victory for the Premier League side.
Chelsea, currently fifth in the Premier League, are set to face Burnley on Saturday as they continue their campaign under Rosenior's guidance.
