Adrian Clarke looks at summer signings and what impact they will have at their new clubs.
Player analysis: Joao Pedro (BHA)
Young, talented, quick, and technically outstanding, Joao Pedro appears to be a good fit for Roberto De Zerbi’s blossoming Brighton & Hove Albion side.
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The 21-year-old joined the Seagulls from Watford earlier this summer after scoring 11 goals in 31 Championship starts last season.
Joao Pedro is at his best as a No 10 and will have an opportunity to fill the void left following Alexis Mac Allister's move to Liverpool.
The Brazilian is capable of playing as a left-sided forward or striker, while his clever movement and natural flair should provide De Zerbi with welcome tactical options, as well as additional strength in depth.
Top dribbler
Wherever he is inside the opposition half, Joao Pedro loves to travel with the ball at his feet.
He covers the ground at speed, has quick feet and neat balance, while nobody made more dribbles in the 2022/23 Championship campaign.
Joao Pedro also produced 23 shots from ball carries and was the second most-fouled player in the division.
His ability to break the lines with a run will fit in nicely alongside team-mates including Kaoru Mitoma, Julio Enciso and Solly March, who also love to take defenders on.
Dribbles/fouled per 90 22/23
| Dribbles/90 | Fouled/90 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Joao Pedro (WAT) | 3.3 | Akpom (MID) | 2.4 |
| Roberts (SUN) | 2.5 | Joao Pedro (WAT) | 2.3 |
| Ndiaye (SHU) | 2.4 | Scott (BCI) | 2.3 |
| Bowler (BLP) | 2.4 | Ogbene (RTH) | 2.3 |
*Championship stats from Whoscored.com
Two seasons ago Joao Pedro failed to make an impact with Watford in the Premier League.
Then 19, he made 15 starts and 13 substitute appearances, scoring three times and providing one assist in their relegation campaign.
He returns with greater maturity and should benefit from playing for a stronger top-flight side; Brighton fashioned a competition-high 613 shots last season.
One-touch strikes
Joao Pedro also has improved as a goalscorer. He is particularly effective at arriving late to finish with a crisp one-touch strike.
While he is comfortable operating on the left, most of Joao Pedro's shots are taken with his preferred right foot.
Of his 24 goals for Watford across four campaigns, 83.3 per cent of them came this way.
Joao Pedro's Watford goals
| Type | Goals |
|---|---|
| Right foot | 20 |
| Header | 3 |
| Left foot | 1 |
A succession of Watford managers experimented by using Joao Pedro across their forward line, but he shone brightest as an attacking midfielder rather than in a central striking role.
Surrounded by top-class attacking players, he will expect to increase his total of only seven assists during his time at Vicarage Road.
Just where De Zerbi uses his new signing could become clearer as Brighton take part in the Premier League Summer Series next month.
Joao Pedro may, however, have to be patient to make Brighton's starting XI in the Premier League, but he has enough skill and technique on the ball to break through and shine in 2023/24.
