Former Chelsea striker Diego Costa believes Joao Pedro needs to have someone playing next to him to get the best out of him.
Pedro joined the Blues in the summer in a deal worth £55m from Brighton and hit the ground running at the Club World Cup.
The Brazil international has had a mixed season, but his return of eight goals and four assists in 28 appearances in all competitions is respectable, although Chelsea likely would have expected more.
Diego Costa shares opinion on Joao Pedro
Pedro has played both as a striker and a number ten this season, with varying degrees of success in both roles, although he’s arguably been better leading the line.
The 24-year-old is currently competing with Liam Delap to lead the line, whilst there’s competition with Cole Palmer to play number ten.
Pedro scored a brilliant goal against Brentford, but he’s drifted through a number of games this season and struggled to make an impact.
Costa, who knows a thing or two about being a striker for Chelsea has shared his thoughts on how to get the best out of Pedro.
“I think his best version is going to be having someone next to him because he’s a striker who can influence a lot,” he told The Obi One Podcast.
“He has great technique. He knows how to finish. He’s very good. So when they have someone who is there holding the ball, he can have a little bit more freedom.
“That’s where he will play his best. He’s strong and knows how to hold the ball. He needs to play in front of the goal. That’s my opinion.”
Emmanuel Emegha to arrive in the summer
Whilst Pedro and Delap continue to settle into life at Chelsea, the Blues have another striker arriving in the summer.
Emmanuel Emegha will join from Strasbourg, and is expected to go straight into the first team squad to compete for minutes.
The Dutch international scored 14 goals in Ligue 1 last season, and knows Liam Rosenior having already worked with him.
