After several weeks of speculations and rumors over the future of Pedro Rodriguez and his next destination, he finally completed a move to Chelsea Football Club amidst interest from several other clubs. The movement of Pedro will have impact or consequence on alot of things but most prominently; his former club, new club, home country and the new league he just joined.
FOR BARCELONA: The arrival of Luis Suarez and Neymar Jr at Barca meant less playing time for the likes of Pedro given the amount spent on them, their pedigree and status. Worse still, they formed a lethal combo with Messi and tore apart whatever stands between them and the goal post.
Unarguably, the trio deserves to start every game provided they are fit and eligible but the big question is; what happens when they are not?
The defeat in the first leg of the Super Cup final against Athletic Bilbao after six changes was made to the starting xi portrayed a genuine concern over the depth of the squad and quality of the bench.
All of these makes the dedication and commitment with which they went about the sale of Pedro shocking. He is one of the few players that has shown time and time again that he can deliver whenever his called upon no matter how big the occasion is.
The poorest reply to having a young side that finished last in the second division, a poor bench and a transfer ban that won’t be lifted until January is selling an established player who may not be good enough to break into the best eleven but good enough to make a mark incase things go awry. Just like Gab Marcotti put it, Pedro was Barca’s insurance if and when something goes wrong with MSN and the thing about insurance is that – it may seem irrelevant and somewhat needless but they day something goes wrong, one would be glad to have it in place. It is hard to see how exactly the sale of Pedro profits Barcelona except for the million they got from it.
FOR CHELSEA: A run of three games without a win, shambolic display against city and front line that consists of a striker that has now taken to fighting rather than scoring and disappearing wingers highlights the need for new injection. Chelsea have not had it easy since the commencement of the season and the side cries for renewed motivation, fresh legs and quality.
In Pedro, they may have found answers to certain problems. He is a forward-minded player who scores effortlessly, dribbles well and as well plays with the team. Moreso, Pedro isn’t a kind of player that disappears or fits into the pocket of defenders, rather, he is knows to always deliver!
Huge wealth of experience, immense quality, number of European titles and a world Cup medal all at €30Million is sure a good bargain. I mean, we know of someone that only boasts of prospect, few goals /assists and a number of kids but cost £50Million.
FOR THE ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: The English Premier League is by far the most competitive and glamorous league in the world and this is a result of the stars it parades who inevitably provides premium entertainment in goals, dribbles and style. This doesn’t only increase its fan base but also attracts players from leagues across Europe. The addition of Pedro adds to that and fans of the league may as well be ready for an increased dose of entertainment.
However, the signing of Pedro (and a few others from other leagues) also adds to the growing concern of foreign influx into the league which has led to the dearth of home grown talent.
The home grown rule designed by the England FA to compel clubs to sign or include home grown players in their squad won’t mean much if these players don’t get to play. It forfeits the intention of the rule and in the long run, renders it ineffective.
Just like Biola Kazeem put it in a twitter chat with a blog recently (read it
here ), the EPL’s success is a blessing and a CURSE and that sums the consequence or impact of Pedro’s addition to the league.
FOR SPAIN: The first thing that comes to mind at the mention of the Spain National team isn’t the exciting and talent-ridden squad that won the world Cup in South Africa but an ailing, disjointed team that was dumped out in the group stage in Brazil. There is no gain-saying that Spain needs new, fresh legs with more zeal, motivation and hunger for success.
Truth be told, there are talent but questions can be raised over experience, exposure and club playing time. Summarily, the lack of playing time for players like Pedro hurts the National team. At 28, Pedro doesn’t qualify as a ‘young talent’ but his quality, wealth of experience and knowledge of the tactics and game plan of the squad is priceless and hugely needed.
His move to Chelsea means less time on the bench and more time on the field of play where he can regain confidence, fitness and form. With Euro 2016 just around the corner, Spain have every reason to smile at this move.
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Adeshina Peter
You can follow him on Twitter via @shina_pitta
