Joao Pedro's unappreciated qualities

Chelsea are expected to make a £60m acquisition of Joao Pedro, helped in part by the healthy funds brought in from taking part in the Club World Cup.

Their likely new signing brings some interesting dimensions. The radar chart below, using Opta data via FBref.com, compares Joao Pedro's performance against fellow Premier League forwards - and the results are quietly impressive.

To understand the significance of this graphic, it is important to unpack what "percentile" means. Each stat shows how a player compares to others in his position. So, if Pedro sits in the 80th percentile for a certain metric, it means he has performed better in that area than 80% of Premier League forwards. It is a relative measure - not raw totals, but performance in context.

And with that in mind, Joao Pedro excels in certain areas.

He ranks particularly highly for fouls drawn that lead to a goal, a sign of his sharp intelligence and ability to manipulate defenders in the final third. For a Chelsea side that struggled to unlock defences last season, Joao Pedro's knack for inviting pressure in dangerous areas and turning it into goalscoring chances could prove invaluable.

His contribution to shot-creating actions (SCA) also stands out. This metric counts the two attacking actions leading to a shot, such as a key pass or dribble. Pedro ranking highly here suggests he is regularly involved in build-up, whether drifting into pockets of space or linking play with midfield runners. That skilset fits a fluid, possession-oriented system.

His goals minus xG - a metric that compares actual goals scored with expected goals - is also well above average. This indicates a forward capable of finishing at a level above the norm, whether through superior technique or instinctive play in tight spaces, with the caveat being there is room for regression here.

Meanwhile, his percentile in progressive passes received demonstrates his ability to stretch opposition defences and become a dynamic option between the lines - something Chelsea have often lacked in transition phases.

While his shot on target percentage sits slightly below elite levels, perhaps this is a trade-off for being involved across different phases of the attack. Pedro is not merely a finisher - rather he's a facilitator, disruptor, and spatially intelligent forward who enhances those around him.

In short, the data shows why Chelsea were willing to pay a premium. Pedro is not just a £60m investment in goals - he is a player who embodies the modern, multi-functional forward, and could quickly become a central figure in Enzo Maresca's attacking blueprint.