Xabi Alonso has drawn a direct comparison between Chelsea’s forward João Pedro and the legendary Karim Benzema, while also insisting that the Brazilian striker belongs in the same conversation as Manchester City’s prolific scorer Erling Haaland. The endorsement came after João Pedro was named the Premier League Player of the Month for August, a recognition that reflects his immediate impact: two goals and two assists across his first three league appearances for the Blues. Alonso, who has been closely monitoring the young forward’s development, praised the 24‑year‑old’s contributions and argued that his performances merit placement alongside the league’s elite marksmen.
"If you count how many top strikers we have in the Premier League, I am sure that João is there," the former Spanish international said during a press conference. "So I would rate him that way. He has been top – not just football‑wise, but personality‑wise as well. His maturity, his desire, his work ethic – all of those qualities are evident." When asked whether João Pedro could be measured against Haaland, Alonso answered unequivocally: "I would say yes." He explained that the Brazilian’s goal for the season is crystal clear – to rack up a substantial goal tally, to maintain consistency, and to earn nominations for Player of the Month on a regular basis.
"I am not surprised, but really happy with the kind of player that we have here with João," Alonso added, underscoring his confidence in the striker’s trajectory. The comparison with Benzema was particularly striking.
Alonso, who spent several years alongside the French forward at Real Madrid, highlighted a range of attributes that remind him of the Frenchman’s style. "In many things he reminds me of Benzema," he said.
"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 his head. He is very complete and he is intelligent." Alonso noted that despite João’s youth, the player already possesses a suite of "absolutely outstanding qualities" – a blend of technical skill, positional awareness, and physical presence that makes him a threat in multiple phases of play. "He is still young. He still has things to develop.
But he has many, many absolutely outstanding qualities," the manager emphasized, suggesting that the ceiling for the Brazilian could be even higher as he refines his game. João Pedro’s recent form also earned him a recall to the Brazil national team, after having been omitted from Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad.
Alonso acknowledged the disappointment João felt at being left out, describing it as "painful for him," but he quickly shifted the focus to the player’s current achievements and future potential. "That’s way back. And we are now talking about other things, like what he is doing well and what he can do better," he said. At Chelsea, João forms part of a potent attacking trio that includes Cole Palmer and the £117 million summer signing Morgan Rogers.
All three have thrived under Alonso’s guidance, combining for six goals and four assists in the opening three league fixtures. João explained how the three complement each other: "We are very similar in the way we think, but also we are very different players, so I think we complete each other." He elaborated on the dynamics within the front line, noting that while Palmer operates more as a traditional number 10, capable of both creating and scoring, and Rogers brings a blend of dribbling and ball‑carrying, João sees himself as a classic number nine – a striker who holds up the ball and finishes chances. "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. The way we think is very similar, but in the same way, I am more of a nine; I hold the ball more." Alonso’s praise, coupled with the statistical output and the tactical synergy displayed by Chelsea’s front three, paints a picture of a young forward who is rapidly establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most exciting talents.
The manager’s public admiration not only boosts João’s confidence but also signals to the broader football community that the Brazilian’s ceiling may be much higher than previously imagined. If he continues on this trajectory – maintaining his scoring rate, expanding his skill set, and delivering consistently against top opposition – it is entirely plausible that João Pedro will be regularly mentioned alongside the likes of Haaland and Benzema in discussions about the world’s elite strikers.