Joao Pedro hails Chelsea's 'very special' front three after opening-day win at Fulham

Joao Pedro has backed Chelsea’s attacking trio to challenge for the biggest trophies this season after the Brazilian striker, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers combined to down Fulham 3-2 at Craven Cottage on Monday night in Xabi Alonso’s first Premier League match in charge.

Pedro was effusive about the understanding he has already built with his two fellow forwards, insisting their movement will make life extremely difficult for opposing defences. “Cole and Morgan are special players. Everyone knows that,” he said. “I’m very grateful to play with them because I know if I make some runs, if you know Cole, Morgan’s going to give the ball to me and I have to be ready to score. So it’s very special.”

The 23-year-old added that Alonso’s willingness to give his attackers freedom on the pitch is already paying dividends. “If we move a lot, it will be difficult for defenders to pick up one player to stay. And the manager let us be free on the pitch, so we understand each other well.”

Pedro was equally clear about the ambition that comes with representing the club. “When you play for Chelsea, you always need to look for the biggest trophies, and I think we’ve already had a great game to show our power and hopefully we can continue like this in the season.”

Both Pedro and Palmer had extended pre-seasons after missing out on their respective national squads — Brazil and England — for the summer’s World Cup, while Rogers arrives as the club’s £117 million British record signing and, according to Pedro, is already proving his worth. “I know Morgan from a long time ago because we played against each other. So when he joined the club, I knew. It was very good for us because he’s a very good player, and I think he can help us like he has already.”

Chelsea’s absence from European competition this season gives Alonso additional training time with his squad, a factor several pundits have pointed to as they tip the Blues as potential challengers to reigning champions Arsenal. The opening-day result at Fulham will only strengthen that belief.