Chelsea previews: Pedro will match last season’s momentum and energy
By Vishnu Raj
Pedro played a very crucial, often underrated role in Chelsea’s Premier League success. After a difficult first season in Blue, he proved that he made the right decision by joining Chelsea.
The 2015-16 season started with one thing very much clear for Pedro: he was well past being a cover at Barcelona. At 28 years old, it was now or never. Once it become clear that he was ready to move, many clubs including Manchester United were after him.
Luckily for Chelsea, he decided to sign at Stamford Bridge. Factors like life in London, the presence of his countrymen and the chance to work with Jose Mourinho helped the Blues’ cause. He was also not interested to work under Louis Van Gaal because of his treatment of his Spanish friends Victor Valdes and David De Gea.
Pedro arrived at Chelsea after helping Barcelona win the 2015 UEFA Super cup by scoring the winning goal late in extra time. He started off with a bang, scoring a goal and providing another in Chelsea’s first victory of the campaign away against West Bromwich Albion. Just like the club, there was nothing much to talk about the rest of the season.
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2015-16 was a disappointing season for Pedro. He was not used to his team struggling as Chelsea did that year. Even though he had good outings against Newcastle United at home and Bournemouth away, they were few. Many fans wondered whether the club or the player made a mistake by his transfer to Chelsea.
There were reports about Pedro wanting to go back to Barcelona after struggling to adapt to English football. However, Antonio Conte’s arrival changed everything. Pedro was optimistic that the club would return to top and he would be back to his best under Conte.
That is exactly what happened in the 2016-17 season. Pedro started 32 times en route to Chelsea reclaiming the Premier League title with a record number of victories in a season. Pedro was one of the standout players of the season. By the new year, he was very happy and settled in west London.
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Early in the season Conte preferred Willian to play alongside Eden Hazard and Diego Costa in the front three. During Willian’s extended absence, Pedro became the first choice. There was no looking back after he started and scored the opening goal in the first minute against Mourinho’s Manchester United.
Even though Pedro and Willian rotated throughout the season,Pedro started the majority of the games. When Hazard and Costa stayed up front, Pedro made all the runs supporting Chelsea’s attack and defence. He had many standout moments including the match-changing goal against Tottenham at home and another away to Everton. He won goal of the month awards for both.
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Chelsea fans can look forward to Pedro continuing his good form this season as well. He will be starting the season with a mask – his second time at Chelsea – courtesy of David Ospina. With the World Cup coming he will be in no mood to slow down.