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Liam Rosenior took over at Chelsea last month (Picture: Getty)
Jason Cundy has named Chelsea’s ‘most improved player’ since Liam Rosenior took over at Stamford Bridge.
Rosenior was appointed Chelsea manager last month after Enzo Maresca was relieved of his duties.
Chelsea have largely impressed under the ex-Strasbourg boss, winning eight of their first 11 games since Rosenior took charge.
Rosenior guided Chelsea into the knockout stages of the Champions League and has ensured the Blues are keeping pace with resurgent top-four rivals Manchester United.
Chelsea’s only real blip under Rosenior has been the Carabao Cup semi-final defeat to Arsenal, with the west Londoners losing 4-2 across two legs.
A number of Chelsea players have hailed the impact Rosenior has had since arriving at Stamford Bridge and Cundy believes Joao Pedro has been one of the biggest beneficiaries from the 41-year-old’s appointment.
Pedro, who joined Chelsea in a £60m deal from Brighton last summer, has scored six goals in his last eight appearances in all competitions.
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Chelsea summer signing Joao Pedro (Picture: Getty)
‘I think Joao Pedro has probably been the most improved player,’ ex-Chelsea defender Cundy said on talkSPORT. ‘I genuinely feel that his game has developed since Liam has come in.
‘I don’t know whether that’s down to Liam or if it just coincides with Joao Pedro learning how to play that role better. His hold-up play is something I feel that he didn’t quite have because that’s a hard role.
‘The number nine up front on your own, that’s a tough job. Players are now trusting him. That ball goes into him, he knows it’s sticking and will time his run.
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‘There’s an element of that going on, we look far more fluid. At the moment, Chelsea’s best number nine is Joao Pedro and I wouldn’t have said three months ago that he would be this player.
‘Hats off, he’s really developed. And he runs in behind as well.’
Chelsea beat Newcastle United to a deal for Pedro, who has been favoured over fellow Stamford Bridge fellow summer signing Liam Delap.
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Pedro’s last goal came in Chelsea’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Leeds United last week.
The Blues led 2-0 at Stamford Bridge but had to settle for a point after a spirited comeback from relegation-battlers Leeds.
Pedro was rested for Chelsea’s FA Cup clash against Rosenior’s former club Hull City on Friday night, which the Premier League side won 4-0.
Chelsea, currently fifth in the Premier League, return to action on Saturday against Burnley.
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