João Pedro has answered Brazil’s World Cup snub in the most useful currency available to a Chelsea forward: goals, assists and a Premier League Player of the Month award after a sharp August at Stamford Bridge.
Key takeaways
- Brazil left João Pedro out of their World Cup squad, despite Carlo Ancelotti acknowledging the Chelsea forward’s European form.
- Ancelotti has selected him for Brazil’s next two friendlies, both against Australia.
- João Pedro scored once and made one in Chelsea’s 3-2 derby win over Fulham, then repeated the trick in a 4-3 victory against Brighton.
- He was Chelsea’s Player of the Year last season after producing 20 goals and nine assists in 50 appearances.
- The 24-year-old has signed a new Chelsea deal running until 2034.
A World Cup disappointment, but no loss of purpose
João Pedro’s absence from Brazil’s squad for the tournament in Canada, the United States and Mexico caused the loudest debate when the list was announced. Ancelotti accepted that the striker had made a strong case during his first season at Chelsea, but said another option had been chosen.
The Brazil manager offered an apology to the players who had been involved during the year and missed out, making particular reference to João Pedro. There has, however, been an immediate route back into the international picture, with the forward called up for the forthcoming pair of Australia friendlies.
João Pedro has insisted he will keep his focus on club work rather than who may be watching from the stands. He said his aim is to maintain a high level, continue showing his form and earn a Brazil place if it comes. His belief is that he has begun both of his Chelsea seasons well; the challenge, as ever in English football, is keeping it going once the fixtures begin to pile up.
That response has already brought recognition. He took the Premier League’s Player of the Month prize for August after decisive contributions in successive wins. Against Fulham, managed by Álvaro Arbeloa, he scored and assisted in Chelsea’s 3-2 derby success. He then supplied another goal and assist as Chelsea edged Brighton 4-3, with Ancelotti among those in attendance.
Chelsea’s long-term striker
Signed from Brighton a year ago for €63.7 million, João Pedro quickly became Chelsea’s standout player. He finished the previous campaign with 20 goals in all competitions, including 15 in the Premier League, and added nine assists across 50 matches. His 3,694 minutes underlined just how central he had become.
The former Fluminense and Watford forward, once considered by Barcelona as a possible successor to Robert Lewandowski, made an immediate impact even before last season had properly settled. Joining with the Club World Cup already under way, he struck twice in Chelsea’s 2-0 semi-final win over Fluminense and scored again in the 3-0 final defeat of Paris Saint-Germain.
Xabi Alonso, who succeeded Ancelotti at Real Madrid, believes Chelsea must help their forward carry that momentum. He said João Pedro is determined to have another big campaign after a prolific year, but stressed that the striker cannot be expected to do it alone.
João Pedro has made his own commitment clear by extending his contract until 2034. He said playing for a major club had always been an ambition and pointed to Chelsea’s winning history and future aims. The World Cup door may have closed for now, but the season is young and the striker has given it a firm nudge already.
SEO title: João Pedro responds to Brazil snub with Chelsea form
SEO description: Chelsea forward João Pedro has won the Premier League Player of the Month award after Brazil left him out of their World Cup squad, with Carlo Ancelotti recalling him for Australia friendlies.
