Roberto De Zerbi believes in-form Brighton top scorer Joao Pedro must sustain performances over 90 minutes to take the final step in becoming a “great, great player”.
Brazilian forward Pedro increased his tally for the season to 18 goals in all competitions with a hat-trick during Saturday’s 5-2 FA Cup win at Sheffield United.
The 22-year-old – a £30million summer signing from Watford – opened his Albion account on the first weekend of the campaign in a 4-1 victory at home to Tuesday evening’s Premier League opponents Luton.
“Joao Pedro’s DNA is of a top player,” said Brighton boss De Zerbi.
“The target of Joao is to play better and better and to keep this mentality because now he’s showing a great mentality, a mentality he needs and we need.
“He’s becoming amazing as a striker because his quality to play in ball possession, to play in between the lines, to make assists were important but in terms of goals, he’s improving a lot.
“The last step to become a great, great player is to play 90 minutes in the same way.
“Sometimes he starts the game not pushing off his best and I would like at the beginning of the game until the end of the game the same mentality.”
Pedro is likely to receive a hostile reception from Luton fans due to his Watford connections.
De Zerbi feels Kenilworth Road is one of the most challenging places to go in the top flight.
The relegation-threatened Hatters have beaten Newcastle and drawn with Liverpool on home soil this term, in addition to suffering single-goal defeats to Tottenham, Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea.
“Playing in the Luton stadium is one of the toughest games in the Premier League because they have a great intensity,” said De Zerbi.
“People think Brighton have to win and it’s
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