Enzo Maresca advised by Joao Pedro’s ex-coach on where to deploy Chelsea star this season

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Joao Pedro came up through the ranks at Fluminense, where he was coached at Under-17 level by Eduardo Oliveira.

The pair go back quite a way. Oliveira managed Fluminense’s Under-17 side when Pedro was coming through their system, and he has a good sense of what the 23-year-old brings to the table.

The Brazilian forward has played both as a striker and as a No.10 this season, and Oliveira recently discussed which role suits him best.

Eduardo Oliveira backs Joao Pedro to play centre-forward

Pedro has filled in as an attacking midfielder a few times this season, taking over from Cole Palmer in matches against Fulham and West Ham. He found the net in both of those derbies.

However, Oliveira still believes the No.9 role is where he fits best.

“I believe he’s perfectly prepared to play centre-forward, but in modern football, roles change throughout the game, and you see that understanding and controlling space is much more important than simply being positioned in it,” he said to ESPN.

“So, I believe that if he starts in a certain structure, playing as a number 9, he’s a guy who can understand and deliver a very good performance.”

Enzo Maresca may take Oliveira’s advice soon, as Chelsea are short on options up front at the moment, with Liam Delap sidelined through injury.

The club brought back Marc Guiu from his short-lived loan at Sunderland, but he has not featured for them yet this campaign.

Maresca has instead been turning to Tyrique George over Guiu, even though the academy product was nearly moved during the last window.

Joao Pedro shows strong mindset

Oliveira has also spoken about Pedro’s attitude, pointing out that he has always been focused on getting better.

“In every training session, he only wanted to improve.

“He said, ‘I don’t want to be left out again because I already spent two years without playing and that was very hard for me. Now it’s my opportunity. Whatever you tell me, I will do.’”

Pedro is still finding his feet at Chelsea, but there is plenty of optimism regarding his future at the club.

He has already formed a good partnership with Palmer when both have been available, and could see more opportunities once the No.10 is fully fit again.