Chelsea fans believe the star will struggle under Xabi Alonso after his performance in AC Milan’s win.
Chelsea fans are buzzing about the Premier League season after watching Xabi Alonso’s team hand AC Milan a 3-0 loss in pre-season — and one player really shone.
Chelsea kept up their great pre-season form with a comfortable win over Ruben Amorim’s AC Milan in Jakarta, Indonesia. Joao Pedro scored twice and Moises Caicedo added another to seal the victory.
Chelsea controlled most of the first half but didn’t score until stoppage time, when Pedro headed in a corner from close range. Then, less than a minute into the second half, he scored again by tapping in a perfect cross from Pedro Neto. By the 50th minute, Alonso’s team looked set to win, with Caicedo scoring a stunning volley from outside the penalty area.
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Pedro has now scored five goals in four pre-season games under Alonso, making fans believe he’s ready to step up after netting 15 Premier League goals in his first season at Stamford Bridge last year.
One fan said, “This wasn’t just about the score for me. Chelsea finally looked like a team with a clear plan. João Pedro took his chances, Caicedo controlled the midfield and scored that amazing goal, and the defense was solid enough to keep Milan quiet. It’s only pre-season, so I’m not getting too excited yet, but if Alonso can build on this, Chelsea could be really fun to watch this season.”
Another added, “João Pedro is becoming THAT player. Two more goals today. His movement, teamwork, and finishing make him harder to leave out of the Chelsea attack.”
Someone else wrote, “It’s time we start calling Joao Pedro the best striker in the Premier League after Erling Haaland.”
Another fan said, “I’ve said it before, but Joao Pedro has a finishing style like Crespo. Crespo might score more beautiful goals, but Pedro shares that mindset and technique, with all kinds of finishes. He’s the best striker Chelsea’s signed in 10 years.”
One more commented, “The biggest news this summer was Pedro missing the World Cup, but he’s doing great here. Six goal contributions in three pre-season games, including two against AC Milan. He’s ready to have a big season and get back into the national team.”
Of course, Pedro was left out of Brazil’s World Cup squad, with coach Carlo Ancelotti choosing Neymar instead.
Chelsea will face Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim on Sunday (August 9) before heading back to England. They’ll then take on La Liga’s Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge on August 15, before kicking off their Premier League season against Fulham at Craven Cottage on August 24.