João Pedro arrived at Brighton & Hove Albion from Watford in the summer of 2023 and enjoyed an impressive debut season at The Amex.
Roberto De Zerbi mainly deployed him as a striker, and he managed 20 goals and three assists from 40 games last season. His performances for Brighton helped him receive his first call up from Brazil in November 2023.
De Zerbi’s successor at Brighton, Fabian Hürzeler, has also used him as No.10 and Pedro has scored eight goals and registered seven assists from 25 games this season.
The 23-year-old was part of the Brazil squad last September but dropped for the next two international breaks. Dorival Júnior recalled the Brighton player, and he’s excited to be part of the group for the two matches this month. O Dia have relayed his comments.
“I have been showing good numbers since last season. Now it’s time to keep them up,” he said.
“It’s good to be here, every player wants to defend their country and be on the national team at a time like this. This time, I’m better prepared. When we talk about Brazil, we know the size, so we have to keep working, keep the numbers up and do a good job.”
The Brazil international explained he’s enjoying his role at Brighton under Hürzeler this season.
“Before, I played more as a No. 9. Now, I also play as a No. 10, and I think that makes it much easier to get assists. At the end of the day, I have to help my team, which is the most important thing,” Pedro explained.
The attacker climbed through the ranks of Fluminense’s youth system. He was promoted to their first team in 2019 and was sold to Watford in January 2020. Pedro explains that adapting to the new life in England initially was challenging.
“The hardest part is adapting. Because there’s the cold, the language, the style of play, everything is very different,” he added.
“I’ve been learning how to play good football in the English League, which is very difficult. I think I’ve adapted well now. Now I have to work to improve.”
