Former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson believes Joao Pedro still needs to improve his goalscoring consistency before he can be regarded as one of the world’s leading centre-forwards, despite the Brazilian’s impressive start to the 2026/27 Premier League season.

According to Football London on Saturday, October 17, 2026, Johnson has recognised Pedro’s quality and influence in Chelsea’s attack but maintains that producing more goals will be essential if the 24-year-old hopes to establish himself among the elite strikers in world football.

Pedro has made an encouraging start to the campaign, scoring five goals and providing three assists in five Premier League appearances. Although he was unavailable for Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat against Brentford, his contributions in other matches have helped strengthen his position in manager Xabi Alonso’s attacking system.

His performances have also enhanced his standing with the Brazil national team under Carlo Ancelotti, while Chelsea have reportedly rewarded his progress with a new contract. The developments reflect the growing importance of the forward to both club and country.

Since completing a £60 million move from Brighton, Pedro has registered 28 goals and 12 assists in 59 appearances for Chelsea. His record has challenged earlier doubts about his capacity to lead the line and deliver goals regularly at the highest level.

Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca had previously questioned whether Pedro could reach the 20-goal mark in a single season. However, the Brazilian has continued to demonstrate his finishing ability under subsequent managers, while also contributing through his movement, link-up play and chance creation.

Johnson nevertheless believes there is a distinction between being an excellent forward and reaching the very highest level. Speaking to PariuriX, the former defender described Pedro as a top-quality player but suggested that calling him one of the best number nines in the world would currently be premature.

He praised Pedro’s ability to combine effectively with teammates and create opportunities, but argued that the leading strikers must consistently deliver performances and scoring numbers that set them apart from their competitors.

Pedro’s statistics offer a strong counterpoint to that assessment. Manchester City’s Erling Haaland is reportedly the only player to have scored more Premier League goals this season, yet Pedro has been slightly more efficient in terms of the time required to find the net.

Haaland has averaged one goal every 88 minutes, while Pedro has scored approximately every 86 minutes. The Chelsea forward has also delivered a combined goal or assist every 54 minutes, highlighting his overall attacking influence.

Alonso’s tactical adjustments may have contributed to those figures. Pedro has been deployed in a more direct attacking role, allowing him to focus on threatening the opposition’s goal and making better use of his opportunities.

Although Johnson wants to see greater consistency from the Brazilian, Pedro’s early-season performances suggest he is becoming increasingly influential at Stamford Bridge. Sustaining his current level throughout the campaign could strengthen his reputation and help answer questions about his potential to become one of the game’s most productive centre-forwards.