Joao Pedro rubbing shoulders with Diego Costa after what he’s done at Chelsea

Joao Pedro’s strike in a 3-1 defeat against Nottingham Forest on Sunday put him in exclusive company with Diego Costa and Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink in Chelsea history.

Pedro’s exceptional stoppage time bicycle kick ended his side’s five-match run without a top-flight goal and ensured he came away from Stamford Bridge with more praise.

The 24-year-old has been a rare shining light for Chelsea in a dismal campaign following his move from Brighton & Hove Albion last summer.

The Brazilian has scored a club-high 20 goals in all competitions, while notching five assists, leading by example at the top end of the pitch when many of his teammates have disappointed.

Joao Pedro joins exclusive Chelsea list after 15th Premier League goal

Pedro scored his 15th Premier League goal for Chelsea with that stunning acrobatic effort against Forest, and as a result, joined an exclusive list of players.

According to Squawka, only Costa and Hasselbaink – two of the club’s greatest ever strikers – have scored 15+ non-penalty goals in their first season with the Blues.

Hasselbaink plundered 19 non-penalty goals during the 2000/01 campaign after joining for a club-record fee from Atletico Madrid, while Costa achieved the same total in 2014/15 following his switch from the Spanish giants.

Pedro will have an opportunity to improve on his current total in Chelsea’s final three Premier League games against Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland.

But either way, the former Watford striker can hold his head higher than the rest after delivering the goods under Enzo Maresca, Liam Rosenior, and now Calum McFarlane.

Chelsea will face attention for Pedro this summer

Pedro’s goal involvements are one of many facets to his game, with the forward’s hold-up play, pressing, and creativity also impressing.

The Brazilian is the complete striker Chelsea have been crying out for, becoming a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge through relentless consistency.

There is no surprise that other European giants are now circling, and Barcelona see Pedro as an alternative to Julian Alvarez this summer.

According to reports, Hansi Flick sees Chelsea’s No. 20 as a possible long-term replacement for the legendary Robert Lewandowski.

Luckily for the Blues, the ball is in their court when it comes to fielding speculation, as the forward is tied down to a long-term contract that expires in 2033.

So BlueCo would be silly to even consider selling him, and that means supporters are likely to see Pedro in a Chelsea shirt next season, with or without European football.

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