Steven Gerrard has made a bold claim about Chelsea's £60 million summer signing Joao Pedro, stating that the Brazil international transforms the team's performance. The former Liverpool captain's comments came after Chelsea secured a 1-0 victory over Leeds United at Wembley, booking their place in next month's FA Cup final.
Joao Pedro returned to the starting lineup after missing recent defeats against Manchester United and his former club Brighton. His presence was instrumental in the win, with captain Enzo Fernandez scoring the decisive goal in the 23rd minute with a header. However, it was Pedro's all-round display that caught Gerrard's eye.
Speaking to TNT Sport, Gerrard said: 'He was a great focal point today. He's a lovely mover with the ball. Remember in the second half when Cucurella wrapped one in and you're thinking as a centre forward thanks for that, it's coming in neck high and his first touch was absolutely beautiful. I think Chelsea look a different team with him in and he made a big difference today.'
Joe Cole, Gerrard's former England teammate, echoed those sentiments, claiming Leeds did not know how to handle the Chelsea striker. 'He plays with that flair, I loved him today he was dropping off in the pockets. He did his centre forward job, he held up the play and when he got into good positions he was picking the right passes. They didn't know whether to go with him when he got into the pockets, he ran in behind. He was such a problem for Leeds and when he's on song you can see the influence. He's been out the team and we've looked a bit off it. When he's in the team it's so much more balanced.'
The victory was also a reputation-enhancing afternoon for goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who made two match-defining saves either side of Fernandez's goal. 'It's amazing,' said the Spain international. 'The boys reacted in the way they should have. We've tried to keep everyone positive in training and it's the chance to be in another final. It's something we've been working for and it's amazing. I'm happy. I always try to do my job. We go through ups and downs. I'm very happy about the season I've had but it's about ending it on a high. Four Premier League games to go and a final.'
On what interim head coach Calum McFarlane has added, Sanchez added: 'Keep it positive and focus on the next games. We said six games to go and it's on us to try and win the final.'
McFarlane took charge after Liam Rosenior was sacked following five successive Premier League defeats without scoring. The interim boss had previously managed two matches in January after Enzo Maresca's shock exit. Chelsea's run to the final has provided a much-needed boost, with the team now looking ahead to the remaining league fixtures and the cup showdown.
