Xabi Alonso has drawn a direct comparison between Chelsea's new signing João Pedro and the legendary Karim Benzéma, going as far as to place the 24‑year‑old striker on the same tier as Manchester City’s prolific Erling Haaland. The endorsement came after João Pedro was crowned the Premier League Player of the Month for August, a recognition that followed a spectacular start to the campaign in which he recorded two goals and two assists across his first three appearances for the Blues.
Alonso, who has overseen Chelsea’s attacking development since taking charge, expressed genuine delight at the Brazilian forward’s immediate impact. He highlighted that João, who netted 20 times in 50 matches for Chelsea last season, should now be considered alongside the league’s elite front‑men. When asked during a press conference whether he truly believed the striker could be measured against Haaland, Alonso replied 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 on‑field attributes 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 there. He drew parallels with his former Real Madrid teammate, Karim Benzéma, who amassed 354 goals in 658 outings for the Spanish giants. "In many things he reminds me of Benzéma," Alonso explained.
"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 form has also earned him a recall to the Brazil national team after being omitted from Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad, a setback that Alonso described as painful for the player but ultimately a learning experience.
"It was painful for him," he said. "But that's way back. And we are now talking about other things, like what he is doing well and what he can do better." João Pedro has become an integral part of a dynamic attacking trio that also features 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 just three Premier League fixtures. Pedro believes the chemistry among the three is a key factor in their success.
"We are very similar in the way we think," he told Sky Sports, "but also we are very different players, so I think we complete each other." He elaborated on the distinct roles each player occupies: "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 public praise underscores a broader narrative about Chelsea’s resurgence in the Premier League. After a period of transition, the club has invested heavily in youthful talent and experienced signings, aiming to re‑establish itself among England’s elite. João Pedro’s rapid adaptation to the English game—demonstrated by his goal‑scoring instincts, positional awareness, and ability to link play—has become a cornerstone of that strategy.
Beyond the statistics, Alonso highlighted João’s work ethic and professionalism. The striker’s willingness to improve his weaker foot, refine his off‑the‑ball movement, and engage in tactical sessions has impressed the coaching staff.
This dedication, combined with his natural finishing ability—both with his feet and his head—makes him a versatile threat in various attacking formations. Looking ahead, Alonso envisions João Pedro not only as a monthly standout but as a consistent contender for season‑long accolades such as the Golden Boot and Player of the Season awards. He believes that, with continued development and the support of his teammates, Pedro could become one of the Premier League’s most feared forwards, joining the ranks of players who dominate both domestically and in European competitions.
In summary, Xabi Alonso’s endorsement of João Pedro as a Benzéma‑like talent and a peer of Haaland reflects a growing confidence in the striker’s abilities. His early achievements, combined with his personality, maturity, and the tactical fit within Chelsea’s attacking unit, suggest a bright future for the Brazilian forward in English football.