Joao Pedro will be looking to make a similar impact at Chelsea as Diego Costa, who won two Premier League titles while playing for the Blues.
He was also the club’s top scorer in both of those campaigns, scoring 20 times each season.
After 22 games this season, the 24-year-old has seven goals to his name.
Liam Rosenior is currently satisfied with Pedro’s form, but Costa thinks that the new Chelsea boss may need to make some adjustments if he wants even more from him.
Diego Costa advises pairing Joao Pedro with another striker
This season, Pedro has often been asked to fill in as a lone No.9 or drop deeper into an attacking midfield role, largely due to injuries in the squad. His flexibility has been useful, but it may not be getting the best out of him.
Moving forward, Costa believes the Brazilian would benefit from playing alongside another forward who can hold up play and create more space for him to work in.
“I watched Pedro’s matches when he signed in the summer during the Club World Cup in the USA,” he said on The Obi One Podcast. “He’s a player who can play the role of number nine or number 10. 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 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 goal. That’s my opinion.”
Costa seems to believe that Pedro is more effective when paired with another forward rather than operating alone or dropping deep into midfield.
This could mean moving away from using Pedro as a traditional No.10 and instead playing him directly alongside another centre-forward, although formations with two strikers are less common these days.
Costa could even be suggesting that Pedro should start right next to another No9 instead of being deployed as an attacking midfielder, though systems like 4-4-2 are not too common today.
Liam Delap could be an ideal partner for Joao Pedro
Delap seems to match the type of forward Costa was describing. The 22-year-old is a strong, physical striker with the ability to hold up play.
There are still parts of his game that need work. Similar to Costa, Delap can get involved in unnecessary clashes, and he sometimes drifts out of matches.
But as he continues to settle into this Chelsea side, there’s potential for him to form a good partnership with Pedro.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
