Chelsea have not waited around this summer when it comes to bolstering the first team squad following Enzo Maresca’s very successful first season at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are actually still taking part in the 2024/25 season as part of the Club World Cup, with them currently in the semi-finals of the competition and just two games away from being crowned the best side in the world.
Maresca has utilised a number of new players during the competition in the United States. Liam Delap has already scored his first goal for the club since making the move from Ipswich Town.
Andrey Santos and Dario Essugo have also made appearances throughout the tournament, however it was another new star who the manager looked to turn their quarter-final around against Palmeiras.
Alan Shearer impressed by Joao Pedro signing from Chelsea
Joao Pedro came off the bench early in the second half, and enjoyed a really strong debut in multiple positions in attack.
Brazilian media raved about Pedro’s performance, and it seems they are not the only ones who have been left impressed by one of Chelsea’s most recent additions.
Alan Shearer told ‘The Rest is Football’ that he is a big fan of Chelsea’s business to bring in the Brazilian from Brighton, despite them beating his favoured Newcastle United side to a deal.
He said: “I think that’s another clever signing from Chelsea, I think he’s a really good player, Joao Pedro. I know he had one or two issues at Brighton, but I think that’s a clever signing, and with them fighting on so many fronts next season, they can’t have enough players.”
Joao Pedro causing problems for Chelsea teammate
Pedro’s debut off the bench came at the expense of Nicolas Jackson, who was available again after serving his Club World Cup suspension.
The Senegal international didn’t get a minute on the pitch despite the Blues chasing a goal for much of the second half, and the new additions to the first team squad have caused his place in the side to no longer be secure.
With Delap suspended, Jackson is in for a huge semi-final to try and convince Maresca that he still has a part to play in the Chelsea squad.
With two red cards in his last four games, the striker has a lot of making up to do to supporters, who have been left frustrated of late.
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