Antonio Conte has named Pedro to partner Diego Costa and Eden Hazard in the 3-4-3 formation in the last six Premier League games ahead of last season’s Player of the Year Willian.
The former Barcelona man has impressed Conte through crucial performances, and the Italian admits the 29-year-old winger has deserved his starts after once again scoring an important goal for his side this Saturday when Chelsea overcame Tottenham 2-1.
Pedro’s future at Stamford Bridge was questioned by the media after reports linking him to a Barcelona return after a disappointing debut season with the Blues. However, the tables have turned and now Willian is being the one linked with an exit.
Pedro is playing great football. He’s enjoying this type of football and showing his quality. It’s not easy for me to make the decision between him and Willian but he’s playing very well and deserved to play. I’m very happy for him and [Victor] Moses, another player who in pre-season you wouldn’t think would be in the starting 11.
Pedro scored a great goal but he worked a lot for the team, that’s what I want to see and it’s important to continue in this way. It’s also important for us to see Willian [a second-half substitute v Spurs] after a bad period for him.
– Antonio Conte, IBTimes
Willian hasn’t started a match since Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Hull City eight weeks ago, while Pedro has three goals and four assists to his name in the last six league games he has started. Conte’s resurrection has worked once again.
