‘Hungry’ Joao Pedro makes strong first impression under Xabi Alonso | OneFootball

Chelsea claimed a 6-4 victory over Australian side Western Sydney Wanderers in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday.

Dastan Satpayev, Dario Essugo and Jamie Gittens scored a goal apiece before Joao Pedro bagged a nine-minute hat-trick to seal victory for the Blues in a thrilling contest.

Marco Palestra made his unofficial debut, while Estevao marked his return from injury in the contest.

Pedro shines in first Chelsea appearance under Xabi Alonso

Pedro grabbed his chance to make an immediate impression on manager Xabi Alonso.

Alonso brought on the Brazilian, alongside Cole Palmer and Estevao, in the 63rd minute, with Chelsea trailing 3-2 at the time.

Pedro just needed three minutes to make an impact. He weaved his way past his markers to set up Jamie Gittens for Chelsea’s third goal.

Two minutes after Awaniyen Lual restored the Wanderers’ lead, Pedro got in on the act.

The 24-year-old showed composure to pick out the bottom corner for 4-4. Four minutes from time, he displayed his decisiveness to put Chelsea ahead before sealing the victory on the stroke of full-time.

Pedro’s performance offered an early indication of why Chelsea view him as a key player.

Alonso praised the former Brighton & Hove Albion star after the match, highlighting his determination for the new season.

“He’s very hungry – Joao is really, really determined to have a great season,’ he told chelseafc.com.

“He wants to – after a great last year, where he scored many goals – I think that he wants to keep scoring more and more. But we need to help him, as on his own it’s not possible.

“He will have the players around him and they need to have this hunger to score as well. It’s not just about the striker, but every time that we win and our striker scores, I am happy.”

Pedro was Chelsea’s top scorer across all competitions last season. He scored 23 goals and provided nine assists in 52 games.

The Brazilian has been linked with Barcelona, but Chelsea are not prepared to listen to any offers for him.

The west London side will be hoping Pedro can build on last season’s performances in the 2026/27 campaign.