Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has offered high praise for forward Joao Pedro, suggesting the Brazilian shares stylistic traits with his former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema and currently performs at a level comparable to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. Since arriving at Stamford Bridge at the start of last season, the 24-year-old has recorded 25 goals across all competitions, including a decisive strike during the club’s successful Club World Cup campaign.
The forward’s recent form earned him the Premier League Player of the Month award this Friday, marking his first time receiving the honor. He finished ahead of teammate Cole Palmer, who was the club’s previous recipient in September 2024. This season, Joao Pedro has already contributed two goals and two assists in his opening three appearances. His commitment to the club was solidified last month when he signed a contract extension keeping him at Stamford Bridge until 2034, coinciding with him being handed the iconic number nine shirt.
When questioned about how the forward stacks up against the prolific Haaland—who secured last season’s Premier League Golden Boot with 27 goals—Alonso expressed no hesitation. The manager stated that if one considers the top strikers currently playing in the Premier League, Joao Pedro belongs in the same conversation as the Norwegian. While Haaland is primarily a specialist goalscorer, Alonso noted that Joao Pedro possesses a more versatile skillset, having played in various roles including as a midfielder, a number 10, and a winger throughout his career.
Reflecting on his time playing alongside the 38-year-old Benzema, who has scored 523 goals in 994 professional appearances, Alonso highlighted specific similarities. He described the Chelsea striker as a complete player who is intelligent and effective both inside and outside the box, comfortable playing off his left side, and proficient in the air. While acknowledging that the young forward still has room to develop, Alonso emphasized that he already possesses outstanding qualities.
The manager also addressed the player’s recent international career, specifically his surprise omission from the Brazil squad for this summer’s World Cup. Although the decision was made by Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti—who previously coached Alonso at Real Madrid—Alonso dismissed the idea that he needed to provide extra motivation for the player. He noted that the disappointment was painful but is now in the past, and that the striker has returned with a clear focus on his maturity and desire to excel this season.
Joao Pedro has since been recalled to the Brazil national team for the upcoming September international fixtures against New Zealand and India. Alonso remains confident in his charge’s trajectory, noting that he has become the first Chelsea striker since Diego Costa to reach 20 goals in a single season during his debut year. In total, the Brazilian has registered 25 goals and 11 assists in 57 matches for the Blues, while Haaland has recorded 42 goals and nine assists in his own last 57 appearances for Manchester City. The report also notes that alonso, who made 195 appearances alongside former Ballon d’Or winner Benzema at Real Madrid, said there were also similarities between the Frenchman and Joao Pedro. The report also notes that because he is good in the box, he is good out of the box, he is good coming to his left side, he is good with the head, he is very complete, he is intelligent,” added the Spaniard, in many things he reminds me of Benzema.
