Chelsea manager Frank Lampard was left waxing lyrical over Pedro’s performance against Liverpool on Tuesday night after the Spaniard made his 200th appearance for the club.
The highly-decorated winger put in a performance of high quality as he helped The Blues brush past the current Premier League leaders and book their place in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup.
This led to Chelsea boss Lampard singling out the veteran for praise in the aftermath of the victory.
“He was outstanding tonight in work ethic and players look up to him because of what he has done,” the Blues manager told the club’s official website after the game.
“He is always a goal threat. In terms of the season, parts have been difficult.
“He was in the team at the start, then got injured, then got out, but what he’s shown, particularly in recent weeks, is a real desire to be the best trainer, look sharp, be hungry, give advice and give the young players around him a lift with his body language.
“If he carries on like tonight he can be very important for us for the rest of the season.
“He’s an infectious player, has consistent work-rate, can always do things with the ball, and gives everything for the team.”
Indeed, Lampard’s high praise of Pedro appears to have been justified as the Spaniard managed to produce a solid display for Chelsea throughout the game.
As per WhoScored, the 32-year-old received the third-highest rating- behind Ross Barkley and Kepa Arrizabalaga – with a match rating of 7.78, as he contributed with two shots, one key pass and three completed dribbles.
As mentioned by Lampard, Pedro has not had the easiest of seasons in the blue of Chelsea, though, as he has struggled at times.
The ex-Barcelona man has only managed to play 17 times across all competitions as illness and injuries have hampered his campaign in a large way (per TransferMarkt).
In fact, it would seem the veteran has found it difficult to get going when given the opportunity, as he has achieved a rather poor average of just 6.56 when those appearances in the Premier League and Champions League are considered (WhoScored).
If Pedro’s recent display against Liverpool is a sign of things to come, it might just be some great timing for Chelsea as they have a hectic group of fixtures coming up that could have a say on what position they find themselves in at the end of the season.
