Pedro has revealed his delight in finally adapting to the Premier League’s style of play. His statistics for Chelsea this season prove his newfound comfort.
Pedro’s first season for Chelsea was an unmitigated dumpster fire. The Spaniard failed to make an impact in the Premier League while his teammates crumbled in one of the most bizarre collapses in recent footballing memory. However, both Chelsea and Pedro have turned things around this term.
Speaking to the official club magazine, Pedro revealed that his fantastic form has been the result of finally adapting to the English game.
"I understand the Premier League more now. It’s very different compared to Spain but now I’m in my second year here and I understand the football. It’s quicker, more intense and more competitive…You have to change mentally and it’s difficult to adapt at first, but I have changed, I have done that now."
The unique style of the Premier League is something that is often talked about and rightly so. Compared to rival European leagues, matches are more physical and intense in England. The actual standard of football may be inferior to Spain and Italy, but the league certainly demands more of the body.
More from The Pride of London
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea player ratings: Abysmal, reckless, wasteful
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea: 3 Blues talking points
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 1 Blue Mauricio Pochettino should drop
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 3 Blues who must start
- Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Bournemouth: Palmer starts in 4-2-3-1
Pedro was a significant disappointment in his first campaign. Coming over to West London with a plethora of trophies already in his cabinet, the former Barcelona man was expected to tear opposition apart. However, he did struggle to get up to the relevant speed and was largely ineffectual.
This season, though, is a completely different story. Pedro has asserted himself over Willian as Chelsea ascended to the top of the league. The winger has thrived under Antonio Conte, contributing with both his industry and his goals. He has already surpassed his tally for last season, hitting the back of the net nine times.
Importantly, his usefulness is evident when watching the Blues play. With the three-man defence, the likes of Pedro have an important task to successfully link up with the wingbacks and ensure the flanks are covered.
Whether it be with Marcos Alonso or Victor Moses, Pedro has done so impressively. This sort of play has eased the workload on his colleagues and enabled greater fluidity on the pitch.
The hope is that Pedro can now kick on and reach that next level. He has been used to living in the shadow of Lionel Messi but, with Eden Hazard’s inconsistency, Chelsea require someone else to step up when the Belgian is having an off day.
Pedro certainly has all the tools to be that man, but can he deliver? Let us know in the comments below!