The player and the role

João Pedro is not a false nine and not only a box nine. He is Chelsea's hinge. When Palmer drops, Pedro holds the centre-backs and opens the inside lane. When Rogers or a wing-back runs beyond, he can come short, secure the direct pass and set the ball around the corner. He is the first outlet and final arrival, but rarely both in the same phase.

How they play

Xabi Alonso's 3-4-2-1 becomes vertical once Chelsea recover the ball. Pedro receives under contact, gives a short lay-off, then attacks the box after the runners have moved the line. Without the ball, Chelsea fall into 5-2-3 or 5-4-1. Pedro can shadow the pivot with a curved run or jump to a centre-back with Palmer. The job is to close the useful pass, not chase every touch.

What the numbers tell us

Three goals from 2.17 xG are supported. Three assists from 0.19 xA are not. His link function is real; the direct creative output is inflated. He has 29 box touches and 11 shots, nine from inside the area, in 360 minutes. Among 13 forwards aged 22 to 26, he ranks third for goals per 90, first for assists and sixth for xG, but only seventh for xA.

How the role has evolved

Last season's switch towards No. 9 started the process. Under Liam Rosenior, his touches fell from 44 to 39 per game while box touches rose from 4.5 to 6.5. He finished with 20 goals and 6 assists in all competitions. Alonso has retained the penalty-box focus and added the first-outlet task.

How they compare

League comparisons use the same FPL position and players within two years of age, with at least 180 minutes this season or 900 last season. Other measures identify their provider or competition below.

3rd

Goals per 90

13 forwards, age 22 to 26

Three goals from 2.17 xG.

1st

Assists per 90

13 forwards, age 22 to 26

Three assists from only 0.19 xA are unlikely to hold.

6th

xG per 90

13 forwards, age 22 to 26

The box role is producing a credible scoring base.

7th

xA per 90

13 forwards, age 22 to 26

The link role has not yet created matching direct chance value.

Where they can improve

Chelsea's first press can be underloaded and played through. Pedro's screening cannot repair the spaces behind it alone. His assist rate should also cool.