Former Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney has delivered glowing praise for Chelsea striker Joao Pedro, declaring the Brazilian forward as the "most in-form forward in the Premier League" ahead of Chelsea's crucial Champions League showdown against Paris Saint-Germain. Rooney's comments come as Pedro enters Wednesday's European clash riding a remarkable wave of goal-scoring form that has transformed Chelsea's attacking fortunes.
Pedro's Meteoric Rise at Stamford Bridge
Since completing his £60 million transfer from Brighton last summer, Joao Pedro has experienced a dramatic transformation in his Chelsea career. After a mixed first half of the season that saw him adjusting to his new surroundings, the Brazilian striker has exploded into life with 11 goals in his last 12 appearances across all competitions. This remarkable run includes his first Chelsea hat-trick during a crucial Premier League victory at Aston Villa last week, followed by another goal in Saturday's FA Cup triumph over Wrexham.
Chelsea Manager's Confidence in His Star Forward
Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has been equally effusive in his praise for Pedro, describing the striker as being "on fire" following the Wrexham match. Rosenior has publicly backed Pedro to make a "massive" impact in the upcoming Champions League last-16 tie against French champions PSG, highlighting the forward's growing confidence and clinical finishing ability at precisely the right moment in Chelsea's season.
Rooney's Detailed Analysis of Pedro's Development
Speaking on his BBC podcast, Rooney provided detailed insight into Pedro's recent improvement, suggesting the striker has finally settled into his position at Chelsea. "I think he's just settling into his position now," Rooney explained. "He came on against Wrexham and I thought he was outstanding, he always had time on the ball and then scored a great goal."
Rooney continued his analysis by comparing Pedro's playing style to that of Harry Kane at Bayern Munich, suggesting the Brazilian possesses the intelligence and versatility to excel in a false nine role. "For me I'd play him as a No. 9 and almost like what Harry Kane is doing at Bayern Munich," Rooney said. "He's clever enough to come into positions and take the ball but he's also in the penalty box, that false nine if you like is perfect for him."
Additional Praise from Chelsea Legends
Former Chelsea midfielder Andy Townsend has joined the chorus of praise for Pedro, describing his recent performances as "outstanding." Townsend specifically highlighted Pedro's performance against Arsenal's defensive pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel as particularly impressive, calling it "the ultimate physical test for any number nine right now."
Townsend elaborated on Pedro's all-around game, noting: "His hold-up and link-up play with teammates like Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez was first-class. He was getting into traditional number nine goal-scoring positions, netting a couple of tap-ins. The one he dinked over Emi Martinez was a brilliant finish. That's as good a centre-forward performance as I've seen in the Premier League for some time."
Impact on Chelsea's Squad Dynamics
Pedro's sensational form has created significant competition within Chelsea's attacking ranks, particularly affecting fellow summer signing Liam Delap. The £30 million acquisition from Ipswich Town has struggled for game-time and has managed just two goals for the Blues since his arrival. Rooney acknowledged Delap's difficulties, noting that the young striker is "finding it difficult" to adapt to Chelsea's more precise playing style compared to what he experienced at Ipswich.
"Liam Delap has struggled with injuries and hasn't really challenged Joao Pedro for that position," Rooney added. "He's still a young lad with lots to learn and improve on. But regardless of what Delap is doing, Joao Pedro is making it very difficult for Liam Rosenior to leave him out."
Champions League Showdown Looms
Chelsea travel to Paris on Wednesday night to face Champions League holders PSG in the first leg of their last-16 tie. The Blues finished sixth in their group stage campaign but progressed directly to the knockout stages, while French champions PSG were forced to navigate through the play-offs. Chelsea enter this European showdown sitting fifth in the Premier League, while PSG currently top Ligue 1, though their domestic dominance has been less pronounced than in previous seasons.
With Pedro in such devastating form and receiving such high-profile endorsements from football legends like Wayne Rooney, all eyes will be on the Brazilian striker as Chelsea attempt to overcome the French giants in what promises to be a captivating Champions League encounter.
