"This was Pedro's chance to make an immediate impact on the team, and he did just that in the Club World Cup semi-final," Bale commented on DAZN.

At MetLife Stadium on 8/7, Liam Delap, the 41 million USD signing from Ipswich Town, was suspended due to accumulated yellow cards. This gave Pedro the opportunity to start, less than a week after completing his 82 million USD move to Chelsea.

Joao Pedro curls in the opening goal during Chelsea's 2-0 victory over Fluminense in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, USA on 8/7. Photo: Chelsea FC

The Brazilian forward immediately shone with a brace of superb goals to send Chelsea into the final. In the 18th minute, receiving the ball outside the penalty area on the left, Pedro curled a shot into the top corner, leaving the Fluminense goalkeeper with no chance despite his best efforts.

Then, in the 57th minute, Pedro led a counter-attack down the left side of the penalty area, cutting onto his right foot to beat a defender before firing a powerful shot that struck the underside of the crossbar and went in. The 23-year-old raised his hands but didn't celebrate either goal out of respect for his former youth team, Fluminense.

Joao Pedro (white shirt) fires in the second goal. Photo: Reuters

"Not just the goals, but his link-up play, passing, and tactical awareness were impressive," Bale continued, praising Chelsea's new signing. "It's tough to integrate into a new club and get to know your teammates, but he put in a wonderful all-around performance."

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel was particularly impressed with Pedro's opening goal. "He repaid the faith shown in him by manager Enzo Maresca. It was a great finish and a beautiful goal," the former Nigerian midfielder exclaimed.

Meanwhile, Pedro described scoring two goals on his first start as a dream beginning and immediately turned his attention to the final. He also addressed his former club. Born on 26/9/2001, Pedro joined Fluminense's academy at the age of 10. He spent 9 years with the Brazilian club before joining Watford, then Brighton, and finally Chelsea.

"I'm happy to score my first goals, but I also know how important this tournament is for Fluminense. I can only apologize, but I have to be professional. I play for Chelsea, they pay me to score goals," Pedro expressed. "Now I need to rest and focus on the final. It will be a very important match and could give me my first career title. I've only been here a week, and I'll be playing in the final."

Joao Pedro raises his hands, but doesn't celebrate either goal for Chelsea. Photo: Reuters

Last week, Pedro was still on holiday in Brazil when Chelsea began negotiations with Brighton. After the two clubs reached an agreement, the 23-year-old quickly packed his bags and traveled to the USA, coming on as a substitute in the quarter-final against Palmeiras.

According to manager Enzo Maresca, the few weeks of rest after the season left Pedro fresher and fitter than other players. The Italian coach revealed that he played Pedro in a slightly deeper role due to the striker's ability to handle the ball well in tight spaces.

Highlights of Chelsea's 2-0 win over Fluminense.

Compiled by Hong Duy