Former Chelsea midfielder explains the main difference between Joao Pedro and Nicolas Jackson

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Heading into the 2025/26 season, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca will be very happy with his striker options.

Maresca currently has Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson in his squad, with the first of that trio making an incredible impact at this summer’s Club World Cup.

Pedro scored three goals in as many games, including in Sunday’s final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Pedro caught Marquinhos’ attention before the match, and now one former Chelsea midfielder has taken time to praise the 23-year-old.

• READ MORE: PSG manager Luis Enrique landed ‘slap’ on Chelsea man after Club World Cup final, ‘extraordinary scenes’

Andy Townsend claims Chelsea players trust Joao Pedro

Andy Townsend has been really impressed with the impact that Pedro has made since arriving at Chelsea. And while he thinks Jackson still has a future in west London, the 61-year-old has suggested that his teammates trust Pedro more than him.

Speaking about the two on talkSPORT following Chelsea’s Club World Cup final success, Townsend said: “Joao Pedro! What a difference it makes to a team when you’ve got a No.9 that players can trust and can link with.

“Look, Nicolas Jackson will no doubt go on to still have a decent time at Chelsea, but I tell you now all of a sudden they look a different proposition with someone like him leading the line.”

Jackson will be the first to admit that he let his teammates down at times last season. The Senegal international was sent off in the group stage of the Club World Cup and also picked up a red card towards the end of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.

While Townsend thinks he still has a part to play at Chelsea, Jackson could be forced to leave if the former Villarreal man wants guaranteed minutes. Right now, he is behind Pedro and Delap in the pecking order.

Why the French media were unhappy with Joao Pedro

Chelsea supporters were obviously delighted with Pedro’s arrival at the Club World Cup and the impact he was able to make.

On the other hand, the French media have complained about Pedro’s participation at the competition, suggesting that the registration of new signings mid-tournament was not fair.

Chelsea will not care, though, and it was Palmer who did most of the damage against the European champions anyway. It was the England international who gave the Blues a two-goal lead with two nice finishes.