‘World class’ Joao Pedro fills Diego Costa’s shoes at Chelsea

Chelsea watched Arsenal secure Victor Gjukeris from Sporting, Manchester United sign Benjamin Sisko, then Liverpool give Alexander Isak from Newcastle for a British record £150m, before completing the signing of Joao Pedro from Brighton for £55m in July.

After being spotted on a beach in Brazil while on holiday, he made an immediate impact in the Club World Cup, scoring three goals in three appearances – including a high volley similar to his second at Villa Park in the final win over Paris Saint-Germain in New Jersey.

Perhaps fortunately, Joao Pedro opted for the No. 20 shirt following his arrival following Liam Delap’s move from Ipswich, with the England striker wearing the No. 9 shirt.

That figure has greatly affected Delap – just as it has affected others including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Radamel Falcao, Fernando Torres, Romelu Lukaku, Alvaro Morata and Gonzalo Higuain during disappointing spells in west London.

Instead, Joao Pedro has exceeded early expectations, scoring two goals and providing three assists in his first four Premier League matches.

He then suffered fitness issues during the autumn, which saw his form decline as former coach Enzo Maresca carefully managed his workload.

But since Rosenior’s appointment, he has scored 10 goals in nine Premier League matches, plus two more away to Napoli in the Champions League to help the club avoid the play-offs.

But his hat-trick at Villa is his biggest achievement in Chelsea colors to date.

“I think it’s a special night for me,” Joao Pedro told TNT Sport. “I was waiting for this time. My hat-trick came at the right moment. After our loss to Arsenal, I think we showed them the comeback and how much we want to achieve it.

“I work a lot to be ready for this moment and I have great players around me so I try to always be in the right place and today I could score three goals.

“Today was special and that’s why I did a little samba [dance]”.

Chelsea have also been impressed by Joao Pedro’s influence behind the scenes. He has acted as a mentor to young Brazilian duo Estévão Willian and Andre Santos, having moved to England seven years ago to join Watford as a teenager.

He also volunteered for media duties after tough defeats, helped bridge divisions in the locker room, and befriended his English-, Spanish- and French-speaking teammates.

It’s not a feeling Chelsea have often had in recent years, but they can finally be satisfied with their main striker as he helps ease the pressure in their bid to ensure they are in Europe’s top-flight competition next season.