Carlo Ancelotti explains his big plans for Chelsea star after he showed his versatility | OneFootball

Joao Pedro is a big, physical player, so seeing him play as a number 9 just feels right. It looks right.

But with Cole Palmer out injured, Enzo Maresca started JP as a number 10 in our last two games, playing in behind Liam Delap who started as the number 9. It didn’t stop his scoring or assisting. He doesn’t look quite as natural as he does leading the line, but he’s so talented he can play the role well.

Already, in just a few games at Chelsea, he’s played both positions to a very high level and he looks to have that sort of ability which means he can slot in anywhere.

Carlo Ancelotti on his plans for JP

Joao Pedro scores with a header. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

We weren’t the only ones who had noticed that Joao Pedro had that versatility. His international manager, Carlo Ancelotti, who had called up for the Brazil squad for this international fortnight, said the following in his press conference yesterday:

“[João Pedro] plays centre-forward. In Chelsea’s last game, he played as a number 10. These things are good for him, as he can play as a number 10 or centre-forward. In tomorrow’s game, he’ll play as a centre-forward. Behind him, we’ll see.”

Joao Pedro set for season at 9 for club and country

At Brazil it makes sense for JP to play as a striker because they have so much more talent in terms of 10s than 9s. The story at Chelsea is going to be the same now that Nicolas Jackson has left and Delap has got injured.

Joao Pedro’s short lived spell in the 10 won’t be repeated for a while now, we suspect. Maybe once Palmer and Delap are back we will see JP and Palmer as the “dual 10s” behind Delap leading the line – but that could be a while away.