By Matthew Howarth | BBC Sport

After spending more than £600 million on 19 attacking players since 2022, Chelsea might finally have found their answer at centre-forward — and his name is Joao Pedro.

The Brazilian striker, signed from Brighton just a week ago, made an explosive impression in his first start for the Blues, scoring twice in their Club World Cup semi-final victory over Fluminense — the very club where he began his youth career.

Pedro opened the scoring with a stunning strike from the edge of the box, and added a second in the second half, racing onto Enzo Fernandez’s pass and hammering the ball in off the crossbar. Chelsea’s 2-0 win puts them into the final, where they’ll face either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain — and the £21.9m prize money nearly covers Pedro’s transfer fee already.

“It was a dream,” Pedro told DAZN. “To score my first goals, and now play in a final — it couldn’t have gone better.”

A Statement Performance

Under new manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea have wasted no time reshaping their attack, bringing in young talents like Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap, Estevao Willian — and now Joao Pedro.

Pedro arrived at Stamford Bridge after a strong spell at Brighton, where he scored 30 goals in 70 appearances. At MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, he showed exactly why Chelsea were willing to invest in him.

He made the most of his full debut, scoring with both of his shots on target and proving a dynamic focal point for the team. Only Christopher Nkunku matched his shot output, and no one had more on-target attempts.

Pedro also competed fiercely, registering nine total duels and four in the air before being subbed off for Nicolas Jackson on the hour mark.

“It wasn’t just about the goals,” said Gareth Bale on DAZN. “It was his vision, link-up play — a complete performance. He’s clearly ready for the next step in his career.”

Callum Wilson added: “That’s how you make a statement. He hit the ground running — what a signing he could be.”

A Forward Who Does It All

Pedro’s impact wasn’t limited to the final third. He registered 26 touches, including seven in his own half — a reflection of his all-round involvement in Chelsea’s play. He frequently drifted to both wings to influence build-up play, unlike fellow forwards Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson, who stayed more central in their Club World Cup appearances.

“Joao can drop deep and help link play. That’s why we brought him in,” Maresca said, adding that he consulted former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi before the signing.

Pedro himself summed it up best: “Delap has his style, Jackson has his, and I have mine. Whoever helps the team most will play.”

Based on this performance, Pedro may already be leading the race to start Sunday’s final — and perhaps much more beyond it.