Carlton Cole Predicts Joao Pedro Will Hit High Double Figures for Chelsea This Season
Former Chelsea striker Carlton Cole believes Joao Pedro has become one of the Premier League’s standout forwards. Speaking to GOAL, Cole expressed confidence that the Chelsea No.9 could reach “high double figures” in goals this season. The Brazilian attacker has already scored three times in the 2026-27 campaign.
£60 Million Move and Early Impact at Chelsea
Pedro joined Chelsea in the summer of 2025 for a fee reportedly up to £60 million ($80 million), arriving from Brighton where he regularly delivered strong performances. He impressed during his debut season in West London, reaching 20 goals across all competitions.
Before Brighton, Pedro's journey in England started at Watford, where he was signed as a highly talented teenager. Now 24 years old, he also holds eight senior caps for Brazil. Despite being surprisingly left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s 2026 World Cup squad, Pedro’s promising form has helped him quickly move past that setback.
Key Player for Chelsea’s Attack
With support from Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers playing just behind him, chances rarely dry up for Pedro at Chelsea. His all-around game continues to develop as he gains experience and learns how to time his runs to maximize impact. Known for his pace, power, and precision, he is now seen as one of the league's most dangerous forwards alongside players like Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.
Carlton Cole’s View on Pedro’s Standing Among Premier League Strikers
“He’s doing really well, the boy. When he’s not playing, you can see the effect it has on the team. So that’s a massive sign that he’s a big part of the setup that [Xabi] Alonso’s building. I think he could actually get into high double figures this season if used correctly and stays fit. He’s one of the ones to watch out for this season, definitely.”
Cole added that having former teammate Danny Welbeck around helps Pedro feel supported rather than threatened, which should aid his confidence and goal-scoring mission. The former striker sees this as a smart approach by Chelsea to help Pedro thrive.
Comparison to Benzema by Xabi Alonso
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has been keen to bring out the best in Pedro. Having worked with some legendary forwards, including Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid, Alonso has compared Pedro to Karim Benzema for his versatility and intelligence.
“If you count how many top strikers we have in the Premier League, I’m sure Joao is there. Haaland for sure is there. I would rate him that way. In many ways, he reminds me of Karim Benzema because he is good inside the box, outside the box, coming to his left side, good in the air. He’s very complete and intelligent. He’s still young with things to develop, but he has many outstanding qualities.”
Looking Ahead After Injury and International Break
Pedro has recently dealt with a minor knee injury but remains confident in his ability to stand alongside elite forwards such as Haaland, Harry Kane, and Kylian Mbappe. Chelsea faced a tough run before the international break, securing just one point from nine available in the Premier League. They aim to bounce back when they host Bournemouth on October 10.
- Date: October 10, 2026
- Match: Chelsea vs AFC Bournemouth
- Kickoff: 17:00
