John Obi Mikel explains why Joao Pedro is such a ‘complete footballer’
Chelsea star Joao Pedro continues to impress, and former Blue John Obi Mikel is the latest person to praise the forward.
Pedro recovered from his injury in time to face Bournemouth over the weekend and picked up straight from where he left off. The 25-year-old scored twice, taking his tally for the season to five.
Pedro is now the Premier League’s highest-rated player on WhoScored, ranking above the likes of Erling Haaland and teammate Morgan Rogers.
John Obi Mikel discusses Joao Pedro’s pace, intelligence and more
While Pedro just turned 25, for Mikel, the Brazilian is already the finished article. He is a player with technical ability, pace and intelligence, making him the “complete footballer”, according to Mikel.
Speaking about Pedro on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel said: “Joao Pedro, since he joined the football club, he’s been absolutely superb. He’s been brilliant, magnificent, Pedro. He’s a complete footballer. He’s good on the ball. He’s quick, he’s intelligent.
“He knows how to connect with Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers. Everything he does right now just seems to turn to gold.”
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Pedro was not the only Chelsea forward who put in a top performance against Bournemouth. Rogers also performed well.
Just one minute before Jordan Henderson’s early strike, Rogers struck to register his fourth goal in the Premier League this season. Palmer will also be satisfied with his own performance.
Unlike Rogers and Pedro, the former Manchester City man failed to get his name on the scoresheet. However, he was able to muster up an assist.
He was criticised after the game for not taking time to stop and speak to a young fan, but Chelsea’s safety protocols prohibit players from greeting supporters when they leave Stamford Bridge on foot and without security.
Right now, it is hard to disagree with Mikel. Pedro can do pretty much everything, and as Mikel mentioned, he has a high level of intelligence that contributes to that.
For example, Pedro knows when to drop deep, and once the Brazil international does that, he has the technical skill and strength to protect the ball before laying it off to a teammate and getting them involved in play.
Pedro presses well, too, adding to his overall package. Haaland is the best goalscorer in the Premier League, but Pedro just may be the more well-rounded centre-forward.
However, until the former Brighton & Hove Albion man can become as prolific as his Manchester City counterpart, it will never be a debate. And looking at Haaland’s numbers, that is probably impossible.
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