Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has hinted that new striker Joao Pedro could start in the Club World Cup semi-final against Fluminense (July 8) after making his debut as a substitute.
The 23-year-old played 36 minutes as the Blues beat Palmeiras 2-1 in the quarter-finals after แทงบอล UFABET ราคาดีที่สุด ไม่มีขั้นต่ำ joining from Brighton for £60m.
In the semi-finals, striker Liam Delap was suspended for accumulating 2 yellow cards, so we can expect to see the Brazilian compete with Nicholas Jackson for a chance to play. Another player who is suspended is defender Levi Colwill.
“Yes, Joao is available to start – just like in the last game when Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo or Reece James couldn’t play, we had to find a solution,” he said at the press conference.
“This time, Levi and Liam have been banned from playing, so we have to find a solution. For the forward position, Joao is ready, but we still have Micolas Jackson.”
“Of course, the elderly must find a way to solve the problem.”
“I think Joao can play in any position up front for us,”
“He’s different from ‘Nico’. That guy can only be seen as a number 9. But I see Joao as able to play in many positions.”
The Italian boss also said the competition for the first-choice striker position next season must be fierce.
“Of course Joao, Liam and Nico are Chelsea’s No.9s,” the 45-year-old added.
“In my mind, I would rather have five players score 10 or 12 goals than one striker who scores 40.”
“We expect more goals next season from our attacking players,”
Asian Handicap Chelsea -10 , Total score 2 goals 2 and a half goals -10