Taking his opportunity - Five-time Champions League winner lauds Joao Pedro’s Club World Cup heroics

Joao Pedro has been extolled for his stunning performance for Chelsea against Fluminense in the Club World Cup. 

The forward enjoyed a dream full debut, scoring two impressive goals in their 2-0 Club World Cup semi-final victory against his boyhood club. 

The new £60 million signing from Brighton, starting ahead of suspended Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson, opened the scoring after just 18 minutes with a stunning curled effort from outside the box. 

Joao Pedro chose not to celebrate, apologising to his former fans. He then doubled Chelsea's lead in the second half with another superb strike that went in off the crossbar. 

Former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale lauded the Brazilian’s immediate impact.

“It is his opportunity to stamp his mark on the team straight away and he's done that in a Club World Cup semi-final,” said Bale on DAZN’s coverage via The Daily Mail. 

The retired forward’s sentiments were echoed by Mikel John Obi, who was pleased with the new acquisition’s contribution. 

“He has just repaid the faith his manager has shown in him. Fantastic finish and a great goal.”

Enzo Maresca has since explained his rationale for starting Joao Pedro over Jackson, citing the former Brighton forward’s competence at playing against low defensive blocks. 

Chelsea will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid in Sunday’s final, aiming to cap off an encouraging season with a second title after the Conference League.