Cesar Azpilicueta has warned Chelsea’s title rivals Pedro is ready to take the Premier League by storm.
Winger Pedro scored on his debut as Jose Mourinho’s men kick-started their title defence with a 3-2 win at West Brom on Sunday.
He also set up Diego Costa for Chelsea’s second just days after arriving from Barcelona as the visitors survived the second-half dismissal of John Terry.
And Azpilicueta, who scored Chelsea’s third at The Hawthorns, believes there is even more to come from his Spain team-mate.
He said: “He has trained for one week, he played his first game, he is discovering the Premier League and I’m sure he will get better.
“I know him very well and he fits into the team very well. I know his ambition, he is hungry to help the team, win trophies and I know the way he started the first game is amazing.
“I know from the national team he is a top player. He played for Barcelona for so many years and he fits into our team and the Premier League.”
– #360debate: Would Chelsea move be good for Stones?
– EPL: Pedro scores on debut as Chelsea beat West Brom
– #360view: United need Rooney options to compete
– GALLERY: Eight players to snub United for Chelsea
Pedro – who held a press conference in Barcelona yesterday to say goodbye to his former team-mates – joined Baba Rahman at Stamford Bridge last week as Mourinho reacted to Chelsea’s sluggish start following a draw with Swansea and defeat at Manchester City.
Left-back Rahman signed from Augsburg and Azpilicueta welcomed the extra competition, having already seen off Ashley Cole and Filipe Luis.
“It helps everybody to have competition,” said the 25-year-old.
“We know in football there’s nothing in the past, you have to prove (yourself) every day. We won the league last year but we have to show in every game and training we are ready.
"I am confident to keep working, keep doing my job. I know the competition is good for the team and I had a few great players around me. At the end, hopefully the team will be better.”
