Xabi Alonso has drawn a direct comparison between Chelsea’s rising striker João Pedro and the legendary Karim Benzema, while also stating that the Brazilian forward belongs in the same conversation as Erling Haaland. The endorsement came after João Pedro was awarded the Premier League Player of the Month for August, a recognition that reflected his immediate impact: two goals and two assists in his first three league outings for the Blues. Alonso, who has overseen Chelsea’s attacking development since taking charge, expressed genuine delight at the young forward’s contributions.
He noted that João, now 24, had already found the net 20 times in 50 appearances for the club last season and that his performances merit a place alongside Manchester City’s prolific striker. When asked during a press conference whether he considered João to be on the same level as Haaland, Alonso responded affirmatively.
"If you count how many top strikers we have in the Premier League, I am sure that João is there. So I would rate him that way," he said. The former Spanish international highlighted not only João’s on‑field achievements but also his character.
"He has been top. Not just football‑wise, personality‑wise. His maturity, his desire," Alonso added. He praised the striker’s ambition for the season, noting that João aims to rack up a substantial goal tally and to be in contention for Player of the Month honours on a regular basis.
"He has a very strong goal this year: to have a great season, to score many goals, and to be a nominee for not just this month but more months," Alonso explained. "I am not surprised, but really happy with the kind of player that we have here with João." Alonso’s admiration extended further when he drew parallels between João and his former Real Madrid teammate, Karim Benzema, who amassed 354 goals in 658 matches for the Spanish giants.
"In many things he reminds me of Benzema," the coach said. "Because he is good in the box, he is good out of the box, he is good coming to the left side, he is good with the head. He is very complete and he is intelligent. He is still young.
He still has things to develop. But he has many, many absolutely outstanding qualities." The praise came at a crucial moment for João, who recently earned 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 missing the tournament, describing it as "painful for him," but emphasized that the focus now lies on his club performances and future growth.
João Pedro forms part of a dynamic attacking trio at Chelsea, alongside Cole Palmer and the £117 million summer acquisition Morgan Rogers. All three have flourished under Alonso’s guidance, combining for six goals and four assists in the first three Premier League fixtures of the campaign. João highlighted how their differing skill sets complement one another. "We are very similar in the way we think, but also we are very different players, so I think we complete each other," he told Sky Sports.
He elaborated on the chemistry within the front line: "For me, it's very good when you look behind and you have two No 10s like Cole and Morgan. I'm very happy to play with them. I think Cole can pass very well but also he can score.
Morgan is a little bit the same. I think the way we think is very similar, but in the same way, I am more of a nine; I hold the ball more. Cole is more of a 10, and Morgan is more carrying the ball and dribbling." Alonso’s comments underscore a broader narrative about Chelsea’s evolution under his tenure. By fostering a balanced attack that blends the poaching instincts of a traditional number nine with the creative freedom of a number ten, he has cultivated a versatile offensive unit capable of adapting to various tactical demands.
João’s ability to operate both as a focal point in the penalty area and as a player who can drift wide or drop deep mirrors the modern striker’s role, a trait that Alonso believes aligns him with elite forwards across Europe. The manager also stressed the importance of continued development.
While João already displays a remarkable array of attributes—clinical finishing, aerial prowess, intelligent movement, and a willingness to press—Alonso noted that the next steps involve refining his decision‑making under pressure and expanding his repertoire of link‑up play. "He still has things to develop," Alonso said, indicating that the partnership between coach and player will remain a work in progress throughout the season. Looking ahead, both club and country have high expectations for the Brazilian forward.
His recent recall to the Seleção suggests that national team coach Dorival Jr. sees him as a viable option for future tournaments, especially now that he is gaining consistent top‑flight experience and confidence at Chelsea. The combination of Premier League exposure and Alonso’s mentorship could well position João Pedro as a regular fixture in Brazil’s attacking lineup.
In summary, Xabi Alonso’s endorsement of João Pedro as a player comparable to Benzema and on par with Haaland reflects a growing belief in the striker’s potential to become one of the Premier League’s elite forwards. With his early-season statistics, his adaptability within a multifaceted attack, and his evident personal drive, João appears poised to continue his upward trajectory, delivering both goals and leadership for Chelsea while also earning further recognition on the international stage.