João Pedro aims to break Chelsea’s No. 9 curse

A necklace, a weighty reputation and a striker intent on writing a different story: João Pedro is portrayed as ready to take on Chelsea’s No. 9 curse. The challenge is about more than symbolism. Several high-profile players have failed to meet the expectations attached to the shirt, and the Brazilian is now described as having a number of tools to try to overturn that reputation.

Chelsea’s No. 9 shirt carries a negative image, shaped by spells viewed as disappointing, including those of players who arrived with accomplished careers behind them. Thomas Tuchel also alluded to that reputation, calling the shirt “cursed” in a remark that reflected the pressure surrounding the number, the Telegraph reported.

The story is not limited to forwards. Kooora notes that Khalid Boulahrouz and Steve Sidwell also wore No. 9 while José Mourinho was in charge at Chelsea, as Drogba starred in No. 11. Tammy Abraham, meanwhile, scored 15 Premier League goals in the 2019-2020 season. He is described as Chelsea’s last striker to produce a notable return in the shirt before a run of disappointing spells. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink came before him, leaving the club in 2004 after making a significant mark as a centre-forward.

João Pedro appears to be approaching the challenge differently. Rather than treating the number as a burden, he sees it as part of the image of Chelsea’s leading striker he wants to embody. The account also points to the Brazilian’s confidence, improvement in his attacking movement, technical backing and determination to prove he can be the forward the club needs.

That progress is presented as the result of focused work, not simply a brief run of good fortune. Attention has been paid to his movement in the penalty area and his handling of chances. His goals this season have all come from inside the box, while his performances are described as evidence of a developing scoring instinct. His celebration — forming a “W” with one hand in front of his face while pointing the thumb of the other down — has also prompted online speculation that it may draw inspiration from Kakashi, a character in Naruto. If it continues, the celebration could be copied by young Chelsea supporters at the weekend.

Individual work has been part of that development: Pedro received more one-to-one sessions from Rosenior than any other player during the coach’s first weeks. Discussions and video analysis were used to guide him towards spending more time in finishing areas, rather than using energy in parts of the pitch where he was less needed. He was also asked to study the positioning and habits of the world’s leading strikers.

The next challenge is to sustain the level. After showing signs of progress and an ability to score, João Pedro must avoid alternating bright spells with stretches without a goal. He is described as having confidence, technical support and a better understanding of his movement to pursue the challenge; the reputation of the No. 9 shirt remains the obstacle to overcome.