Enzo Maresca reveals the key reason Chelsea signed Joao Pedro – Bundlezy

Enzo Maresca reveals the key reason Chelsea signed Joao Pedro

Fluminense FC v Chelsea FC: Semi Final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Joao Pedro scored twice on is Chelsea debut against Fluminense (Picture: Getty Images)

Enzo Maresca hailed Joao Pedro’s matchwinning Chelsea debut after the new signing from Brighton scored the goals that secured a place in the Club World Cup final.

The Blues will take on either Real Madrid or reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday’s showpiece after they continued their fine form in the competition with a comprehensive win.

Brazil international Pedro only signed for Chelsea a week ago, but the £60million recruit, who cut short his holiday, was thrust immediately into action as a result of Liam Delap’s suspension.

Pedro took just 18 minutes to make his mark, curling an unsaveable shot into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area and he made the game safe with 20 minutes remaining with an arguably better strike, twisting inside onto his right foot and blasting the ball beyond Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio.

‘We are very happy with Joao, we know that Joao is a very good player and a student that he can be,’ said Maresca in his post match press conference.

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‘Because he has qualities inside, like today. I think another thing that is important about Joao is that he was on holiday, so it’s a bit more fresh compared to the rest.

‘So it’s something that is important to be aware of that. So, happy for Joao.’

Why did Chelsea sign Joao Pedro?

Pedro’s brace represented the highlight of an impressive performance from the 23-year-old who is likely to compete with Delap for a starting spot this season.

While he has shown huge potential for his previous English clubs, Brighton and Watford, 19 goals in 58 Premier League appearances hardly represent a prolific return.

Maresca, however, believes his latest recruit will represent a major weapon in helping to overcome the defensive tactics employed by the vast majority of opponents Chelsea encounter.

‘We knew how good he was as a player,’ said Maresca. ‘The reason why we brought him is because this season we faced many teams with a low block.

Fluminense FC v Chelsea FC: Semi Final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Joao Pedro scored twice in Chelesa’s win over Fluminense (Picture: Getty Images)

‘His quality is very good against this kind of team. As a player, as a person, first of all, he is from Brazil. Most of the Brazilian players are very happy with their journey with football.

‘Also, he worked with a friend of mine in Brighton, Roberto De Zerbi. I spoke with Roberto a while ago. This is exactly the way he should play.

‘It doesn’t mean that he is going to be all season like this. It’s not going to happen. But it’s good to have him also as an option.’

Christopher Nkunku’s Chelsea future

Fluminense FC v Chelsea FC: Semi Final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Christopher Nkunku has played a key part in Chelsea’s run to the Club World Cup final (Picture: Getty)

Another Chelsea forward, meanwhile, appears to be facing a more uncertain future with Christopher Nkunku continually linked with a move.

The France international has endured a miserable two years at Stamford Bridge with injuries preventing him from making a major impact.

Inter and Bayern Munich have both been credited with an interest in the former RB Leipzig star, but he has played an increasingly prominent role in Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign.

‘We try to give them the chance when they deserve,’ said Maresca of Nkunkiu’s valuable contributions during the knockout stages.

‘In this moment, if Christo is playing, it is because he deserves to play. Again, I think today was good, he had some moments that he couldn’t score, we had some moments that he had some chances. But overall I think he had a good game.’

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