Pedro’s highlight-reel “moments” capture his top form at Chelsea

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 14: Pedro of Chelsea celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 0-3 during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Chelsea at The King Power Stadium on January 14, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 14: Pedro of Chelsea celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 0-3 during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Chelsea at The King Power Stadium on January 14, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Pedro has created several moments of brilliance for Chelsea this season, earning a goal of the month award and making one of the passes of the season. Those moments highlight the overall quality of his play for the Blues.

Pedro’s curling goal against Tottenham was one of the defining moments of Chelsea’s 13-game win streak. After the Spurs ended that streak in the return fixture, Pedro had another moment of brilliance in the following game against Leicester. The Spaniard’s spinning, no-look, back-heel pass to Willian set up his own headed goal to give Chelsea a 3-0 win.

The Spaniard explained that, while he practiced such moves in training, he did it spontaneously against the Foxes. That level of instinct and timing sums up a player who can live in the moment because he knows he is playing some of his best football.

"You don’t think about it; you just play the ball in the best way you can. It helps when you are confident. For me it’s probably the best moment since I’ve been here. – Chelsea FC"

Pedro has every reason to be confident with his form, and his role in the squad. Last year, despite 24 starts, Pedro never really settled in to Chelsea. His best attributes were incompatible with Jose Mourinho’s defensively-minded tactics. As a result his play was inconsistent. He did not create a rhythm as a scorer, creator or harasser of opposition defences.

Like Eden Hazard, Pedro is flourishing in the 3-4-3 setup that minimizes his defensive responsibilities. With Victor Moses and Cesar Azpilicueta as cover on the right side, Pedro can wander throughout the final third. He swaps places with Eden Hazard as frequently as he sets up Moses or Azpilicueta for an overlapping run on the right, utterly confounding the opposing defence.

Even so, he consistently tracks back and can catch an opposing midfielder off guard by appearing out of nowhere. Pedro is a regular feature when Chelsea overload the opposition’s ball-carrier in midfield, inducing a turnover and launching a counter-attack. As a result, he is averaging a career-high 1.6 tackles per game to go with his five goals and five assists.

"I think it’s the moment. In the right moment you can score more goals; in other moments you don’t, and it’s difficult. I think you can get in to a rhythm and it helps when you’re feeling confident, in your game and with your team-mates. I’m feeling very comfortable on the pitch and this is a good moment for the team and the club, for everybody."

Pedro’s success charging back towards midfield to force turnovers shows his potential in a future 3-5-2. In several games this season Pedro’s aggregate position was in line with Moses and N’Golo Kante in midfield, rather than up front with Hazard and Diego Costa. Pedro’s energy and speed give him this versatility, which will go a long way to ensure his place in the starting XI.

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Pedro has come through with “moments” when Chelsea have most needed them this year. He is trading in his inconsistency to become one of the Blues’ most clutch players. If he can keep creating these moments, he will add a Premier League title to his already-stacked trophy case.