Chelsea’s new signing João Pedro has quickly become a talking point in the Premier League, and even the club’s manager Xabi Alonso has drawn lofty comparisons. In a recent press conference, Alonso likened the 24‑year‑old Brazilian striker to Karim Benzema and suggested that his current level matches that of Manchester City’s prolific forward Erling Haaland. The endorsement came after João Pedro was crowned the Premier League Player of the Month for August, a recognition that followed an impressive start in which he contributed two goals and two assists across his first three league fixtures for the Blues. Alonso expressed genuine delight at the impact the newcomer has made, noting that João Pedro’s record of 20 goals in 50 appearances last season should already place him among the elite marksmen in English football.
When asked directly whether he considered the Brazilian to be on the same footing as Haaland, Alonso answered unequivocally, "I would say yes." He went on to explain that when you tally the top‑class forwards operating in the Premier League, João unquestionably belongs in that group. "He has been top – not just in terms of footballing ability but also in personality," Alonso said. "His maturity, his desire, his work ethic – all of those traits set him apart.
He has set a clear goal for himself this season: to deliver a standout campaign, to find the back of the net regularly, and to be in contention for Player of the Month honours on a regular basis, not just for August." The Spanish manager added that he is not surprised by João’s rapid adaptation, but he is extremely pleased with the quality of the player now wearing the Chelsea shirt. "I am not surprised, but really happy with the kind of player that we have here with João," he said.
Alonso didn’t stop there. He drew a direct line between João Pedro and his former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema, who amassed 354 goals in 658 games for the Spanish giants. "In many ways he reminds me of Benzema," the manager explained.
"He is effective inside the box, but he also contributes when we need him to drop deeper. He can operate on the left side, he is strong in the air, and he possesses a high footballing IQ." According to Alonso, João is a very complete forward – a player who can finish, create, and move intelligently without the ball. "He is still young and has areas to develop, but he already has a multitude of outstanding qualities," the manager added, emphasizing the striker’s potential for further growth. João Pedro’s recent form also earned him a recall to the Brazil national team after being omitted from Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad.
Alonso acknowledged the disappointment the player felt at being left out, but he quickly shifted the focus back to the present. "It was painful for him, but that is now behind us. We are concentrating on what he is doing well and how he can improve," he said.
The Brazilian’s integration into Chelsea’s attacking unit has been seamless. He now forms a potent front three alongside Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers, the latter a £117 million summer acquisition who, like Palmer, has thrived under Alonso’s guidance. Collectively, the trio have contributed six goals and four assists in just three Premier League matches, a statistic that underscores their synergy on the pitch. Speaking to Sky Sports, João highlighted how the differing skill sets of his partners complement his own style.
"We think in a similar way, but we are very different players, so we complete each other," he explained. "Cole is an excellent passer and scorer, Morgan can carry the ball and dribble, while I am more of a traditional number nine – I hold up the ball, make runs, and finish chances." Alonso’s praise, the player‑of‑the‑month award, and the early statistical output all point to a bright future for João Pedro at Chelsea. If he continues on this trajectory, the Brazilian could indeed become a regular fixture in discussions about the Premier League’s most elite forwards, joining the ranks of Haaland, Benzema, and other world‑class strikers.
His blend of technical skill, physical presence, and mental maturity suggests that the comparison to Benzema is not merely flattering rhetoric but a genuine assessment of his potential to dominate English football for years to come.