BRIGHTON’S Joao Pedro is on track to becoming the new Ivan Toney, according to fans.
And the Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi fears he will not able to hold onto his star penalty taker for much longer.
Pedro, 22, was Brighton’s hero on Thursday night as he added another two spot-kicks to his tally for the season – helping to lead his side to a 4-2 win over Tottenham.
This term alone, the Brazillian star has netted eight penalties across all competitions.
His talent for hitting the back of the net from 12 yards has even been likened to Brentford’s Toney.
As one fan said on Twitter: “Joao Pedro is the coolest penalty taker after Ivan Toney”.
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Up until Toney’s suspension – which he will be serving until the new year – the Englishmen has scored 28 out 30 spot-kicks.
With 11 successful penalty efforts across his senior career, Pedro could line up as one of the leagues greatest such as Alan Shearer, Harry Kane and Frank Lampard in the future.
And boss De Zerbi admitted he might not be able to keep the gifted forward for much longer.
The Seagulls chief said: “I hope to work with Joao Pedro for another year but I think it will be very tough.
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“He was the best player on the pitch. It was another incredible performance. He defended for 90 minutes like a centre-back”.
The one-cap Brazil international joined Brighton for £30million at the start of the summer.
The former Fluminense star impressed Brighton after his terrific form at Championship side Watford.
Across his three years at the Hornets, Pedro scored 24 goals across 109 appearances.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
