Xabi Alonso has drawn a direct comparison between Chelsea’s new forward João Pedro and the legendary Karim Benzema, and he went further to claim that the Brazilian striker is operating at a level comparable to Manchester City’s prolific Erling Haaland. The endorsement came shortly after João Pedro was honoured as the Premier League Player of the Month for August, a recognition that reflected his immediate impact: two goals and two assists in just his first three league appearances for the Blues.
Alonso expressed genuine delight at the youngster’s contributions and argued that the 24‑year‑old, who notched 20 goals in 50 matches for Chelsea last season, should be placed in the same conversation as the league’s other elite marksmen. When pressed during a press conference about whether he truly regarded João as being on Haaland’s tier, Alonso answered unequivocally, "I would say yes.
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 went on to praise not only João’s technical abilities but also his character, noting, "He has been top. Not just football‑wise, personality‑wise.
His maturity, his desire. 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.
I am not surprised, but really happy with the kind of player that we have here with João." Alonso’s admiration did not stop at the statistical level. He highlighted several traits that remind him of his former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema, who amassed 354 goals in 658 outings for the Spanish giants.
"In many things he reminds me of Benzema," the former Spanish international 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 Brazilian’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 João felt at being left out, calling it "painful for him," but stressed that the focus now is on his club performances and the areas where he can continue to improve.
Beyond his individual brilliance, João has become an integral part of a potent attacking trio that also features Cole Palmer and the £117 million summer signing Morgan Rogers. All three have flourished under Alonso’s guidance, combining for six goals and four assists across the first three Premier 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. 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. Cole is more of a 10, and Morgan is more carrying the ball and dribbling." Alonso’s remarks underscore a broader narrative about Chelsea’s resurgence under the Spanish coach.
By integrating a forward who combines clinical finishing, intelligent movement, and a willingness to contribute in build‑up play, Alonso has added a new dimension to a side that previously struggled for consistency in attack. João’s ability to operate both as a traditional target man and as a link‑up player mirrors the versatility that modern top‑level strikers possess, allowing Chelsea to adapt their tactics against a variety of defensive setups. The comparison with Benzema is particularly apt when considering João’s off‑the‑ball intelligence. Like Benzema, he frequently drops deep to draw defenders out of position, creating space for midfield runners such as Palmer.
His aerial prowess adds another layer to his game, making him a threat on set‑pieces and crosses—a trait that aligns with Haaland’s own physical dominance, albeit expressed through a slightly different stylistic lens. Looking ahead, the expectations placed on João Pedro are considerable. Fans and pundits alike will be watching to see whether he can sustain his early-season form over the grueling 38‑match campaign.
Alonso’s confidence suggests that the coaching staff will continue to nurture his development, offering him the freedom to refine his decision‑making, improve his weaker foot, and expand his repertoire of finishing techniques. In summary, Xabi Alonso’s enthusiastic endorsement positions João Pedro as one of the Premier League’s most exciting young forwards.
By drawing parallels with both Karim Benzema and Erling Haaland, Alonso not only celebrates João’s current achievements but also sets a high bar for his future growth. If the Brazilian can maintain his scoring rhythm, deepen his tactical understanding, and stay injury‑free, he may well become a regular fixture in conversations about Europe’s elite strikers, fulfilling the promise that his early performances have already hinted at.