Jason Cundy has named Chelsea’s ‘most improved player’ since Liam Rosenior took over at Stamford Bridge.
Rosenior was appointed Chelsea manager last month after Enzo Maresca was relieved of his duties.
Chelsea have largely impressed under the ex-Strasbourg boss, winning eight of their first 11 games since Rosenior took charge.
Rosenior guided Chelsea into the knockout stages of the Champions League and has ensured the Blues are keeping pace with resurgent top-four rivals Manchester United.
Chelsea’s only real blip under Rosenior has been the Carabao Cup semi-final defeat to Arsenal, with the west Londoners losing 4-2 across two legs.
A lot of Chelsea players have hailed the impact Rosenior has had since arriving at Stamford Bridge and Cundy believes Joao Pedro has been one in all the most important beneficiaries from the 41-year-old’s appointment.
Pedro, who joined Chelsea in a £60m deal from Brighton last summer, has scored six goals in his last eight appearances in all competitions.
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‘I believe Joao Pedro has probably been essentially the most improved player,’ ex-Chelsea defender Cundy said on talkSPORT. ‘I genuinely feel that his game has developed since Liam has are available in.
‘I don’t know whether that’s all the way down to Liam or if it just coincides with Joao Pedro learning tips on how to play that role higher. His hold-up play is something I feel that he didn’t quite have because that’s a tough role.
‘The number nine up front on your individual, that’s a troublesome job. Players at the moment are trusting him. That ball goes into him, he knows it’s sticking and can time his run.
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‘There’s a component of that happening, we glance much more fluid. In the intervening time, Chelsea’s best number nine is Joao Pedro and I wouldn’t have said three months ago that he can be this player.
‘Hats off, he’s really developed. And he runs in behind as well.’
Chelsea beat Newcastle United to a deal for Pedro, who has been favoured over fellow Stamford Bridge fellow summer signing Liam Delap.
Pedro’s last goal got here in Chelsea’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Leeds United last week.
The Blues led 2-0 at Stamford Bridge but needed to accept some extent after a spirited comeback from relegation-battlers Leeds.
Pedro was rested for Chelsea’s FA Cup clash against Rosenior’s former club Hull City on Friday night, which the Premier League side won 4-0.
Chelsea, currently fifth within the Premier League, return to motion on Saturday against Burnley.
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