Maresca backs Joao Pedro to start scoring but stresses he is a ‘different kind of number nine’ that is ‘not going to score 20 goals each year’ | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has backed Joao Pedro to deliver goals for Chelsea but has stressed he is “not a number nine that is going to score 20 goals each year”.

The Brazilian forward has score two goals in 11 games in all competitions this season following his summer move from Brighton.

Blues boss Maresca revealed the 24-year-old has been struggling with his fitness of late which he admits is impacting his performance.

And the Italian coach also stressed that there needs to be an understanding of the type of player Joao Pedro is.

“For sure the physical part is important,” Maresca said when asked about Joao Pedro’s form.

“When you are not 100%, it’s difficult to compete, especially in this league. But I think Joao is not a problem at all. He’s going to score goals with us. He’s going to give us assists, knowing that Joao Pedro is not a number nine that is going to score 20 goals each year.

“It’s not Joao, he’s a fantastic player, he’s going to score goals for us, he’s going to give us assists. But it’s a different kind of nine, like this kind of nine that they score 20-25 goals each year like Lewandowski, Mbappe or Haaland. This is a different kind of profile.”