JOAO PEDRO (£4.3m) has undoubtedly been one of the main characters during the early exchanges of the new Dream Team season.
Prior to Gameweek 1, the Chelsea forward was among the most popular players in the game, a byproduct of his impressive showing in the Club World Cup following his transfer from Brighton.
Unfortunately, the Blues were rendered relatively toothless in their opening game against Crystal Palace and Pedro was replaced midway through the second half in what turned out to be a 0-0 stalemate.
Consequently, the Brazilian was the third-most transferred-out player ahead of Gameweek 2.
However, Dream Team managers who ditched him were left to rue their impatience when Pedro cashed in against a beleaguered West Ham outfit.
He scored one goal and assisted two others as Enzo Maresca’s side embarrassed the Hammers at the London Stadium.
When all was said and done, Pedro banked 17 points for his efforts — Jorgen Strand Larsen (£3.5m) is the only striker to have notched more this Gameweek at the time writing.
As a result, Pedro is currently the second-most popular recruit ahead of the Gameweek 3 deadline.
This hokey-cokey is typical of the indecision that affects so many gaffers during the first few Gameweeks of the season.
Dream Team bosses should use their transfers to react to the unfolding action but they should resist rash moves based on small sample sizes.
It’s easy to say with the power of hindsight but ditching Pedro before his meeting with West Ham was fraught with risk.
Graham Potter’s side had lost 3-0 to Sunderland on the opening weekend and therefore represented a favourable match-up for all of Chelsea’s starters.
What’s interesting is that Pedro occupied the role usually filled by Cole Palmer (£5.7m), who was removed from the starting line-up after tweaking his groin in the warm-up.
The 23-year-old is more than capable of playing No10, in fact some would argue it’s his best position.
As things stand, it sounds like Gameweek 3 might come too soon for Palmer and so Pedro is surely in line to start as the most advanced midfielder again when Chelsea host Fulham on Saturday.
Generally speaking, gaffers want their forwards to be as close to goal as possible but the only thing that really matters is points and Pedro has proven himself capable of plentiful returns in a more withdrawn role.
This is merely speculation but it seems likely Pedro will be on penalties while Palmer is sidelined as he boasts a formidable record from the spot.
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Looking beyond the international break, Chelsea will face Brentford in Gameweek 4 before starting their Champions League campaign in what will be their first double Gameweek of 2025/26.
Palmer’s absence may be causing headaches for Dream Team bosses but Pedro represents a potentially soothing tonic.
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