Enzo Maresca praises João Pedro’s debut performance and reveals the key reason Chelsea signed the Brazilian forward, highlighting his quality against teams with a low block.

Enzo Maresca has revealed the key reason Chelsea signed João Pedro, praising the player’s impressive performance in his debut match.

João Pedro scored two stunning goals, securing Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Fluminense and a spot in the Club World Cup final against either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain.

Maresca highlighted João Pedro’s exceptional quality against teams that employ a low block, which has been a common tactic faced by Chelsea this season. The manager believes João Pedro’s skills will be a valuable asset in overcoming such defensive strategies.

The Chelsea manager also expressed his admiration for João Pedro’s playing style, which aligns with his expectations. Maresca had spoken with Roberto De Zerbi, João Pedro’s former coach at Brighton, and was impressed by the player’s abilities. De Zerbi’s endorsement played a role in Chelsea’s decision to sign João Pedro for £60 million.

João Pedro’s Brazilian background and natural talent were also factors that drew Maresca to the player. The manager noted that many Brazilian players excel in football, and João Pedro’s enthusiasm for the sport is evident in his gameplay.

Maresca emphasized that while Joao Pedro’s performance was exceptional, it’s unrealistic to expect him to maintain that level throughout the entire season. Nevertheless, the manager is pleased to have João Pedro as an option.

Chelsea’s journey to the Club World Cup final has been impressive, with João Pedro playing a key role in their success. The team will now face either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain in the final, scheduled for July 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.