How Diego Costa’s start at Chelsea compares to Joao Pedro after 12 games

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It has been a super impressive start to life at Chelsea for Joao Pedro, but how does it compare to former Blues striker Diego Costa?

The Blues signed Joao Pedro, 24, from Premier League rivals Brighton in the summer for £60m. At the moment, it is looking like a superb piece of business for the Brazilian attacker.

First of all, the versatile forward was thrown in the deep end during the summer and immediately played a key role to help Enzo Maresca’s side win the Club World Cup tournament. Afterwards, he’s started the 2025-26 season in strong individual form as well.

Whether he’s playing as a number 10 or a central striker, he looks a huge attacking threat.

Incidentally, it is great news that Pedro has been rested by Brazil during October’s international break, which should give him much-needed time to rest after a hectic few months.

• READ MORE: Joao Pedro’s former coach tells Enzo Maresca where he must play Chelsea star this season

Comparing how Joao Pedro and Diego Costa started at Chelsea

Quite clearly, Pedro has slotted in effortlessly at Stamford Bridge and been a fantastic purchase.

Let’s take a look at his individual record during his first 12 competitive appearances in Chelsea colours.

When you consider some people questioned Pedro’s move to Chelsea, his response of eight goal contributions in 12 games is very impressive. Let’s not forget that he’s already got a piece of silverware to his name, too.

It has been a pretty rapid start to life at Chelsea for the South American star. However, former Blues centre-forward Diego Costa also hit the ground running at the Bridge over a decade ago.

Costa, who was aged 25 at the time, joined Chelsea from Atletico Madrid in the 2014 summer window.

We’ve taken a look at how the unforgettable striker got on during his first 12 games for the Blues, who were managed by Jose Mourinho.

As you can see above, Costa quickly became a fan favourite for his goalscoring form in the early months of his Chelsea career. In fairness, it was the foundation for what turned out to be a title-winning campaign in the Premier League.

Costa won Premier League Player of the Month for August 2024 during his first month in English football. As for Pedro, he was nominated for August’s individual award in this current season before losing out to on-loan Everton star Jack Grealish.

There isn’t too much to split them based on how well they started their Chelsea careers, but, of course, we know what Costa went on to achieve, while Pedro’s journey has only just begun.

Liam Delap may be more like Diego Costa than Joao Pedro

If Chelsea are looking for their bullish striker to lead the line in a similar way to Costa, Liam Delap could be the right type of profile.

We’re confident that Pedro is going to enjoy a long and successful career with the Blues. However, the technical footballer will play multiple positions and create despite being a composed finisher.

Delap, who’s currently injured, joined in the summer from Ipswich Town as a more conventional frontman. The 22-year-old star definitely has shades of Costa about his game with his aggression and movement, but the next step is scoring consistently. He’s got time on his side to grow and improve, though.