‘Hungry’ Joao Pedro makes strong first impression under Xabi Alonso
Chelsea forward Joao Pedro scored a hat-trick in a pre-season friendly against the Western Sydney Wanderers. Manager Xabi Alonso praised the Brazilian's hunger and confirmed he remains a key part of the team's future.
Why it matters
It provides an update on player performance and team dynamics for a major football club during the pre-season period.
Chelsea claimed a 6-4 victory over Australian side Western Sydney Wanderers in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday.
Dastan Satpayev, Dario Essugo and Jamie Gittens scored a goal apiece before Joao Pedro bagged a nine-minute hat-trick to seal victory for the Blues in a thrilling contest.
Marco Palestra made his unofficial debut, while Estevao marked his return from injury in the contest.
Pedro grabbed his chance to make an immediate impression on manager Xabi Alonso.
Alonso brought on the Brazilian in the 63rd minute, with Chelsea trailing 3-2 at the time.
Pedro just needed three minutes to make an impact. He weaved his way past his markers to set up Jamie Gittens for Chelsea's third goal.
Two minutes after Awaniyen Lual restored the Wanderers' lead, Pedro got in on the act.
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