'Cole Palmer is a beast': Chelsea star Joao Pedro reveals secret to goal spree
Chelsea star Joao Pedro describes Cole Palmer as a beast and explains how Xabi Alonso's tactics are driving the team's high goal tally.
Ahead of the high-stakes Premier League clash between Chelsea and Everton, Blues forward Joao Pedro has showered immense praise on teammate Cole Palmer, describing him as a "beast" and a "complete player." The remarks come as Chelsea looks to solidify its position in the top six during a season defined by prolific scoring.
The Magic of Cole Palmer
Speaking on JioStar, Pedro, who currently leads Chelsea's scoring charts with five goals this season, highlighted the unique brilliance that Palmer brings to the pitch. According to Pedro, Palmer’s ability to influence the game from multiple angles is what sets him apart from his peers.
"Cole Palmer is a beast, he can score, he can pass. He can score from free kicks. He can do everything. He is a complete player, and that is what makes him special," said Pedro.
Pedro specifically pointed to Palmer's spectacular strikes in recent matches against Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion as evidence of his extraordinary talent, noting that while the mechanics of his goals are often baffling, they are simply "Cole Palmer things."
A Multi-Dimensional Attack
Chelsea has emerged as one of the most dangerous attacking units in the league this season. With 15 goals already recorded, they trail only Brighton and Manchester City in total goals scored. Pedro revealed that this success is not reliant on a single individual but is the result of a collective tactical approach.
The scoring burden is shared across the squad, with the following breakdown noted this season:
- Joao Pedro: 5 goals
- Morgan Rogers: 4 goals
- Cole Palmer: 2 goals
- Jordan Henderson: 2 goals
Pedro explained that the team's strength lies in the fact that "threat can come from anywhere." While the front three create the bulk of the chances, the midfielders and defenders remain constant threats, particularly during set-piece situations.
The Xabi Alonso Factor
Much of Chelsea's tactical discipline can be attributed to their manager, Xabi Alonso. The former World Cup and UEFA Champions League winner has instilled a hunger for victory within the squad. Pedro noted that Alonso's experience as a professional player allows him to connect deeply with the players' mindsets.
"Our gaffer Xabi Alonso is very open with us because he used to play football so, he understands our mind. The first meeting we had with him was like he is very passionate. He wants to win every game possible," Pedro remarked, adding that the squad's ambitions are perfectly aligned with the manager's philosophy.
The Synergy of the Front Three
Pedro also delved into the specific tactical roles within Chelsea's attacking trident. He described a symbiotic relationship between himself, Palmer, and Morgan Rogers designed to maximize efficiency in front of goal:
- Feeding Palmer: Pedro's primary objective when seeing Palmer is to deliver the ball directly to his feet, trusting Palmer's clinical ability to beat the goalkeeper.
- Creating for Rogers: For Morgan Rogers, Pedro focuses on playing the ball into space to facilitate one-on-one situations against defenders.
- The Finishing Touch: Once Rogers beats a defender and finds Pedro, the Brazilian's role is to make the decisive runs to find the back of the net.
As Chelsea prepares to face Everton on October 17, the Blues aim to continue their momentum and climb higher in the Premier League standings.