Chelsea: Joao Pedro issues verdict on Liam Delap brace as Blues strikers to fight for minutes | OneFootball

The Brazilian has been prolific since signing with the Blues

On fine form: Joao Pedro

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Joao Pedro says he's not afraid of competition for places heading into the new season.

The Brazilian forward netted his fifth goal in five appearances for Chelsea as the Blues cruised to a 4-1 win over 10-man AC Milan at Stamford Bridge.

"Like I said when I came, Chelsea have a brilliant team, a young team, so it makes it easy for me to come and do my best with them," Pedro said.

"I don't want to say competition, I think it is very good for Chelsea to have two strikers of a very good level. Last game he (Delap) did not score, today he scores two goals. I am very happy for him."

Captain Reece James, who himself is vying for minutes at right-back with Malo Gusto, reiterated the fact that the players are comfortable with the amount of competition within Chelsea's squad.

"I think to compete for titles, you need competition. We have a lot of very good attackers, and it puts them under pressure to do it week in, week out. If they don't do it, there's another player who wants to come in and play, so I think it's gonna push and take everyone to the next level," James added.

Chelsea have embarked on another summer of spending as they prepare for a return to the Champions League next season.

However, with just over a month between their Club World Cup victory over PSG and the start of the new Premier League season, the Blues have had little time to prepare for the upcoming campaign.

Levi Colwill's ACL injury has thrust into the spotlight the demands the fixture schedule could have on Chelsea's squad, and there is good reason to believe that they will need to rely on their strength in depth if they are to compete on four fronts next season.