Legendary Premier League striker expresses doubts over Joao Pedro’s ability to take Chelsea to ‘next level’ despite draw with Burnley

Premier League Hall of Famer Alan Shearer has questioned whether Joao Pedro is the right striker to take Chelsea to the next level. He believes the Brazilian is talented but is not sure he can score regularly.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer said Joao Pedro was not the ideal striker for Chelsea if they were looking to win the Premier League and Champions League. He said:

“I think Joao Pedro is a really talented player. Whether he’s enough to take Chelsea to the next level and where they want to be in terms of titles and the Champions League is a different conversation. But in terms of his ability, he’s excellent.”

Former Premier League striker Gary Lineker said Joao Pedro has fallen under the radar this season despite his performances. He compared the Brazilian to Arsenal player Kai Havertz and said:

“Another goal for Joao Pedro at the weekend, so let’s talk about contract strikers in the Premier League. Isak, Equitiki, Pedro, Jeukeris and Cisco were the big ones last summer. Equitiki have been performing really well and with similar numbers but Pedro is probably a bit under the radar in terms of how successful he has been.”

“I think he’s a very good footballer, and he’s very technically gifted. I think he’s a really good player, he reminds me a little bit of Kai Havertz. They’re a similar type of player, they’re both very technically gifted and they both almost glide around the pitch. I think he’s a really good player.”

Joao Pedri has scored 11 goals in the Premier League this season and is the club’s top scorer. He also has three goals in the Champions League, the same number he scored in the Club World Cup.

Micah Richards believes Joao Pedro is not a Chelsea striker

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards believes Joao Pedro is better as an attacking midfielder or a false midfielder. He praised the Chelsea star for his performance and structure to play and said:

“He’s a No. 10 or a false striker. When you look at his goal record, he’s very good considering the positions he’s in on the pitch. He gets deep and connects the play very well, he’s very intelligent and really good in the air actually. I think he did a very good job and we knew he was excellent from his time at Brighton.”

Joao Pedro joined Chelsea for £60m in the summer from Brighton & Hove Albion.