Joao Pedro joined Chelsea from Brighton in July 2025. He can play in several attacking positions. This made him useful in many attacking roles. Since then, his role at Chelsea has started to change. He has become Chelsea’s main centre-forward and a key player in Xabi Alonso’s attack.
A Fast Start in Blue
Pedro settled in quickly at Chelsea. He scored in both the Club World Cup semi-final and final soon after joining. His first full season was even better. He scored 20 goals in all competitions and was voted Chelsea’s Player of the Season. Pedro does more than score. He can move around, help his teammates, and create chances.
Why Movement Is So Important
Pedro’s movement is one of the most useful parts of his game. A traditional striker may spend most of the match waiting inside the penalty area. Pedro often does something different. He can move around and make it harder for defenders to follow him.
If a centre-back follows him, space can open up behind. If the defender stays in position, Pedro can receive the ball in another area.
This is even more useful when he plays with creative attackers. Pedro started in the middle, with Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers next to him. The three played well together and helped Chelsea beat Fulham 3-2.
A Better Fit for Alonso’s Attack
Xabi Alonso has brought a different approach to Chelsea since taking charge. His team has looked to use progressive passing, width and more direct attacking movements. Chelsea have also aimed to avoid keeping possession simply for the sake of having the ball. That style can suit Pedro.
He has the technique to receive the ball away from the penalty area. He also has the speed and strength to attack the space in front of him. Most importantly, he knows when to move back towards goal.
Pedro himself has explained that he does not always want to stay inside the box. Sometimes he needs to come deeper. At other times, he needs to be close to the goal. The key, in his view, is knowing when to make each movement.
Working With Palmer and Rogers
The arrival of Morgan Rogers has added another interesting part to Pedro’s role.
Chelsea began the 2026/27 season with Pedro in the middle, Palmer on one side and Rogers on the other. All three scored in the opening win at Fulham. Pedro then scored and assisted in Chelsea’s 4-3 win over Brighton.
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Pedro can attack the central space while Palmer and Rogers move inside or stay wider. They can also change positions during an attack. This makes it harder for defenders to follow one player for the whole game.
Pedro has spoken about this freedom himself. He said that movement between the three attackers can make it difficult for defenders to decide who to follow.
More Than Just a Goalscorer
Another side to Pedro’s development can be easy to miss. He is strong in physical contests and can compete for aerial balls. Since last season, Pedro has won more duels and aerial duels than any other Chelsea player.
Those qualities give Alonso another option. Chelsea do not have to attack in only one way. They can play into Pedro, use his movement, or look for him in the box.
It also explains why Alonso has spoken highly of his all-round game. The Chelsea manager compared Pedro’s range of qualities to Karim Benzema, pointing to his ability to contribute inside and outside the penalty area.
A New Role as Chelsea’s No. 9
Pedro now mainly plays as a centre-forward. Chelsea also gave him the No. 9 shirt for the 2026/27 season. This shows how important he has become to the team.
Analysing Joao Pedro’s start to the season as our No.9. ⚡️
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 4, 2026
He is no longer just a player who can play in many positions. Chelsea now uses him mainly as their striker. He can still drop back, move wide, or find space when needed.
A Strong Start to the New Season
Pedro has started the new season very well. He scored two goals and made two assists in Chelsea’s first two Premier League games. Chelsea won both games, against Fulham and Brighton.
He also won the Premier League Player of the Month award for August. It was his first time winning the award. Pedro did more than score. He also created chances and helped Palmer score in both games.
