Joao Pedro - The solution to the Chelsea center problem?

Joe O'Pedro's first start in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup semifinals, suggesting he could solve the center problem that Chelsea has not solved over the years.

The Brazilian new player is one of 19 forwards that Chelsea has introduced since the US boss took over Chelsea in 2022. So far, Stamford Bridge Stadium has spent more than $815 million in the global transfer market to bring in offensive players.

Joeo Pedro scored a long-range shot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals, helping Chelsea defeat Fruminense 2-0.

Pedro played in the quarterfinals against Palmeiras in just the 74th minute, with Chelsea winning the FIFA Club World Cup on July 5, 2025. However, the positive impression he created that day—two passes to his teammates and one shot saved by the opponent’s goalkeeper, helping the new player start by coach Enzo Maresca in the semifinal four days later. The Brazilian striker immediately seized the opportunity and proved his worth with two wonderful goals.

In the 18th minute, Fruminense's former central defender Thiago Silva was hit by Neto's cross on the left. The ball flew straight to the front of the penalty area. Pedro made a slight adjustment after receiving the ball, and shot hard with his right foot, beating 44-year-old goalkeeper Fabio, opening the first record for Frumenense.

His second goal was equally exciting in the 56th minute. Chelsea launched a counterattack, and Pedro broke through on the right and received a precise pass from Enzo Fernandez's midfielder. He dribbled the ball into the penalty area, shot with his right foot, and the ball hit the crossbar and entered the net, breaking through Frumenense's goal.

Pedro joined Chelsea for about $82 million. As he made the final and will face Paris Saint-Germain at 2:00 on July 14, the 23-year-old striker's two goals against Fruminense helped the England side recover more than a third of the investment.

forward Joao Pedro competed for a header with Fruminense at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 9, 2025, "like a dream," Pedro told DAZN after the game. "I don't think things can go so well. I'm very happy to score my first goal at Chelsea. This game may also bring me the first championship. I've been here for less than a week and now I'm about to compete in the final."

With such a bright prospect and the potential that Pedro has shown, has Chelsea found the answer to their long-standing center problem?

Chelsea did not spend much time strengthening the offensive line. They brought Jamie Gitters from Dortmund, Liam Delapp from Ipswich City, Estevao William from Palmeiras, and Joao Pedro. But so far, only Pedro - who scored 30 goals in 70 appearances for Brighton between 2023-2025 - has initially met expectations.

Pedro needed three shots to score two goals in MetLife Stadium against Fruminense. Only Christopher Nkunku had the same number of shots, while no other Chelsea had more shots. Pedro also became the team's offensive pillar, participating in 9 one-on-one confrontations and 4 air top-squads before being replaced by Nicholas Jiangko in the 60th minute.

Only Nkunku and Moises Caisedo had more scrambles in the nearly 90 minutes, while only Marco Cuculera and Trevo Chaloba were involved in many off-ball matches comparable to Pedro without Pickford.

Pedro played against Frumenense FC at MetLife Stadium in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals, locking the victory 2-0

"not just a goal ", Real Madrid star Gareth Bale commented on DAZN. "Pedro also demonstrated his ability to connect offense, passes and vision. It was an excellent, comprehensive performance. He has made great progress in his career. Pedro's potential is very clear and hopes he can continue to improve. "

Former England striker Callum Wilson added: "Pedro was very confident, but he obviously wanted to be impressed immediately and he did it in his first start. It was a really potential sign."

Pedro touched a total of 26 times against Fruminense. Among Chelsea's club World Cup starter, only Jackson achieved the same number of touches in one game.

However, not every touch of Pedro's goal occurred in the opponent's half. The map shows that in the semi-finals, he participated in the competition for the entire field, and had 7 touches in his own half.

After the semi-finals, Coach Maresca revealed that he had received information about Pedro from former Brighton coach Roberto de Zelby before signing. "He played very far today, but we know he has the ability to retreat to connect the rhythm of the game. That's why we signed him," the Chelsea coach added.

Compared with Pedro, Delp only touched the ball twice at home as a starter in the final group stage against Tunisia ES. Jackson also had similar statistics on four touches against Los Angeles FC.

Pedro also had a significant impact on the wing, and he often appeared on both sides to participate in offensive advancement from the midfield to the frontcourt. Instead, Delp and Jackson mostly touched the ball in one-third of the central area of ​​the second half.

"Every team, every individual has a different style of playing: Delap has his own style, so does Jackson, and I have my own way." Pedro said before the game against Frumenense. "I think whoever can bring more benefits to the team will start."

Pedro's remarks are tantamount to declaring war. He is clearly taking advantage of the previous opportunities of Delpa and Jackson to fight for a starting position in the final against Paris Saint-Germain.