“He made me promise…” – The unlikely hero from English football inspiring Chelsea’s new star | OneFootball

Joao Pedro won the player of the month award at Chelsea for his very first month of Premier League action.

His fast start at the Club World Cup has kept going in the season proper, and he’s quickly made himself a fan favourite, not only for his goals but also for his ice cold demeanour and steely determination.

Joao Pedro reveals unlikely hero of the English game

Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Speaking in an interview with the Evening Standard, the striker revealed a very unexpected idol from the English game – someone he apparently said was the best player he had played with in England.

“At his age, he arrived early in the gym, pushed young players; sometimes maybe a bad thing had happened to him but he was always happy.

“His mentality is why he’s played for so long. I said to him: ‘I want to play for a big club’. He made me promise I would never stop pushing my limits. He is an inspiration. He won everything, and I want to win these titles too. Mentality can be the difference-maker on the pitch.”

James Milner a perfect idol for talented forward

Can you guess who he’s talking about? It’s his old Brighton teammate, James Milner. We absolutely love that. What an unexpected name to be hearing glowing reviews about from the Brazil number 9.

Something about that bodes so well for JP’s future – the fact that, for all his talent, he’s looking up to a grafter rather than a flair player. He understands that there are plenty of players with ability, but not many with the incredible mentality necessary to maximise that potential.

It’s another reminder of why having a really strong dressing room is hugely important for the long term development of players as well as the short term in terms of getting results.