The Maurizio Sarri era is well underway at Chelsea and England is eagerly watching. The Italian manager has brought over his attacking flair from Naples with the intention of implanting in West London. That brand of play has brought him admirers from all over Europe. However, it will be a tough order to get the Blues playing exactly the way he wants. If the transition is to go well, Sarri must utilize every single one of his Chelsea players. One of those squad players who could play a key role is Pedro.
Here’s how Pedro could be key to Chelsea’s campaign
Experience
At 31 years of age, Pedro has played over 390 games at club level scoring 119 goals in the process. Such know-how is invaluable for Maurizio Sarri as he needs players in his dressing room that have been there before. Players who know what it means to reach the summit of football and how to drag others along with them.
Chelsea’s current squad is lacking big-game players, and Pedro is perhaps the most experienced player in the entire Blues squad. And at 31 years of age, the Spaniard has at least one more season in him at the top level.
Last season, Pedro made 31 appearances. However, 14 of those appearances came from the bench. Lest we forget, Pedro is a three-time Champions League winner and World Cup, winner. The Spaniard has done it all at both club and international level, but now he’s set for his biggest challenge yet: win one more title with Chelsea.
False 9?
Let’s be frank and honest here, Álvaro Morata is struggling big time at Stamford Bridge, his goal against Arsenal was superb, but it was just one of the few he’s scored in 2018. The 25-year-old scraped together 11 goals in 31 league appearances last season. That’s an abysmal record and not the kind of strike rate that a number one striker at a top-six club should have. Things got so bad last season that former boss Antonio Conte had to bring in Olivier Giroud halfway through the season defensesto supplement his poor goalscoring form.
Even with his poor form in England, Sarri has decided to stick by him and keep him as the club’s first choice striker. He confirmed this by shifting Michi Batshuayi out on loan to Valencia, leaving only Giroud as the Spaniard’s competition.
If Álvaro Morata continues to struggle in England, it’s only a matter of time before Sarri begins to look at other forward options. One of those options could be Pedro deployed as a false nine. The 31-year-old has always been known for his versatility and diligence to execute any role he’s given. His time under Pep Guardiola at Barcelona improved him as a player that can play in any position across the front three. Just imagine him, Eden Hazard and Willian continually interchanging throughout a 90-minute match.
Sarri’s team rely on fluidity, link-up play, pace and quick passing, all things Pedro would bring to the front line as a false nine. The Spaniard’s movement in behind defences is elusive, to say the least, and the 31-year-old could do a sufficient job until January at least.
