Gareth Bale was full of praise for Joao Pedro after Chelsea’s new £60million signing scored a stunning strike 18 minutes into his debut for the Blues.
Pedro put Chelsea ahead in the Club World Cup semi-final against boyhood club Fluminense with a superb effort from distance. He then doubled his new team’s lead in the second half, hammering a shot in off the crossbar.
The 23-year-old, thrown straight into the starting line-up by boss Enzo Maresca following his move from Brighton, picked up the ball outside of the area and curled the ball beyond goalkeeper Fabio and into the far corner.
Pedro opted not to celebrate and held his hands up in apology to the Fluminense fans, having come through the youth system at the Brazilian side.
The striker was picked ahead of Liam Delap, a £30m summer arrival from Ipswich, and Nicolas Jackson for the clash with Fluminense in New Jersey.
And Bale, speaking on DAZN’s coverage of the match, heaped praise on the star for his goal.
Joao Pedro curled in a superb opener just 18 minutes into his first appearance for Chelsea
Gareth Bale was full of praise for Pedro, who enjoyed a dream debut for his new club
‘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.
Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel added: ‘He has just repaid the faith his manager has shown in him. Fantastic finish and a great goal.’
Pedro then doubled his own tally with another superb strike but was denied the chance of a hat-trick after being brought off for Jackson on the hour mark.
Chelsea will meet either Real Madrid or PSG in Sunday’s final if they see out the victory against Fluminense, who are captained by former Blues defender Thiago Silva.
