Jason Cundy Hails Joao Pedro's Meteoric Rise at Chelsea
Former Premier League defender Jason Cundy has sparked excitement among Chelsea fans by comparing striker Joao Pedro to club legend Didier Drogba. Cundy, who emerged from the Chelsea academy and played for the first team, made the bold statement during a talkSPORT appearance, highlighting Pedro's dramatic transformation under new manager Liam Rosenior.
A Stunning £60 Million Investment Pays Off
Chelsea secured Joao Pedro from Brighton last summer for a hefty £60 million fee, and the 24-year-old has already justified the investment with an impressive 13 goals this season. His recent form has been particularly outstanding, contributing four goals and four assists in his last five Premier League matches. This surge in performance has established Pedro as a key talisman for the Blues, with Cundy noting his unexpected growth since the start of the year.
Cundy elaborated on Pedro's development, stating: "I think he's probably been the most improved. 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. His hold-up play is something I feel that he didn't quite have because that's a hard role."
Echoes of Drogba and Lampard Partnership
The pundit drew a direct parallel to Chelsea's golden era, comparing Pedro's current role to that of Didier Drogba, who famously linked up with Frank Lampard. Cundy explained: "The number nine up front on your own, that's a tough job. Players are now trusting him. When that ball goes in, it bounces off... like Frank Lampard used to do with Didier Drogba. That ball goes in, he knows it's sticking and will time his run. There's an element of that going on, we look far more fluid."
He added, "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!"
Rosenior's Praise for a Perfect Fit
Manager Liam Rosenior has also been vocal in his admiration for Pedro, whose style aligns seamlessly with the coach's tactical vision. With a combined total of 21 goals and assists this season, Pedro's impact is undeniable. Rosenior commented: "He's a top player, he always has been. Speaking to the guys, I know how hard the club worked to bring him here, because he had that potential and he's now starting to show that. Some of the play, some of the movement and the patterns during the first half were everything I wanted to see. Joao suits the way I want to play down to the ground."
Rosenior further emphasized Pedro's energy and quality, saying: "Even at the end, his energy levels to create the chances for himself in the second half that he did, he's really unfortunate with the header [that hit the crossbar]. He's showing an energy, intensity and quality of a really high level."
This glowing endorsement from both a former player and the current manager underscores Pedro's pivotal role in Chelsea's campaign, as the team looks to build on his newfound form in the Premier League.
