What Pedro Rodríguez will bring to Chelsea

Pedro Rodríguez has left Barcelona for Chelsea; UEFA.com's Camp Nou correspondent Richard Martin explains what Stamford Bridge fans can expect from the 28-year-old winger.

Strengths

Delivers when team need him most
Pedro's extra-time winner in last week's 5-4 UEFA Super Cup thriller against Sevilla was just his latest big goal in a big game. The forward also decided the 2009 UEFA Super Cup, scoring the only goal in extra time to see off Shakhtar Donetsk. What's more, he grabbed a late equaliser in the 2009 FIFA Club World Cup final against Estudiantes de La Plata as well as breaking the deadlock in the 2011 UEFA Champions League final against Manchester United.

Prodigious work-rate
Pedro was so highly valued by Josep Guardiola because he was a willing contributor to the coach's high-pressing strategy, which underpinned that Barcelona side's success. The Canary Islander always raced back to help out in defence whenever Barça were on the back foot.

Excellent finishing
Pedro's quick thinking makes him a ferocious predator, witnessed by his 58 Liga goals from 136 starts. He is at his most lethal when running behind the defence, always striking the ball early and cleanly, while his jaw-dropping bicycle kick against Real Sociedad last term showcased his sharp reactions and technique.

Weaknesses

Physical strength
Standing about 1.67m tall, Pedro is far from the most physically imposing player yet – like many of his Barcelona contemporaries – his intelligence and technical ability make up for any shortcomings. However, he does have a tendency to be pushed off the ball and will be tested to the limit by the unforgiving nature of the Premier League.

Ability to take on defenders
Pedro had a telepathic understanding with his Blaugrana team-mates, the Barça way having been ingrained in him at the club's academy, but he never quite possessed the flair of some of his peers when taking on opponents on his own. His strength lay in playing a supporting role – not that of leading man.

Josep Guardiola and Pedro Rodríguez©Getty Images

What they say

Luis Enrique, Barcelona coach
He has been and always will be very dear to the fans because he is such a professional.

Josep Guardiola, former Barcelona coach
He is a role model – a great. He always exceeds expectations. If Pedro was Brazilian, he'd be called Pedrinho and we wouldn't have enough money to afford him.

Vicente del Bosque, Spain coach
He knows exactly what he has to do. He is a dynamic player and has that burst of pace which is so important in modern football.

Xavi Hernández, former Barcelona midfielder
He gives us a lot because he opens up the pitch – he takes players on and looks for space. He harries, presses and infuses us with his energy. When Pedro plays, the opposition full-backs can't get forward, and if they do, he runs 30m to track them. He never stops running – he never tires.

Víctor Valdés, former Barcelona goalkeeper
Sometimes you don't notice him but he's always there. When everyone else works as hard as him, it's very difficult for teams to score against us.

Daniel Alves, Barcelona full-back
He's very intelligent and very selfless. He always knows what the game requires, whether that means playing as a full-back, taking a player on or coming inside to support our pressing. He is a great help on the pitch.