Xabi Alonso has drawn a striking comparison between Chelsea’s rising striker João Pedro and the legendary Karim Benzema, while also asserting that the Brazilian forward belongs in the same tier as Erling Haaland. The endorsement came after João Pedro was named the Premier League Player of the Month for August, a recognition that reflected his immediate impact: two goals and two assists across his first three league outings for the Blues.
Alonso expressed genuine delight at the young forward’s contributions, noting that the 24‑year‑old, who netted 20 times in 50 appearances for Chelsea last season, should be regarded alongside the Manchester City powerhouse. When pressed during a press conference about whether João Pedro truly matches Haaland’s level, the former Spain captain 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 the player’s on‑field abilities but also his character, highlighting the striker’s maturity, ambition and professionalism. "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 said. The comparison with Benzema was particularly striking for Alonso, who shared the pitch with the Frenchman during his time at Real Madrid. "In many things he reminds me of Benzema," he 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." Alonso’s remarks came at a time when João Pedro’s form earned him a recall to the Brazil national team, after having been omitted from Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad. "It was painful for him," Alonso acknowledged, "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." The Brazilian’s integration into Chelsea’s attacking trio—alongside Cole Palmer and the £117 million summer acquisition Morgan Rogers—has been seamless.
The three have combined for six goals and four assists in the opening three Premier League fixtures, a statistic that underscores their complementary styles. João Pedro described the chemistry, saying, "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." He elaborated on each teammate’s strengths: "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 endorsement carries weight not only because of his own illustrious playing career but also due to his growing reputation as a tactician capable of nurturing young talent. By likening João Pedro to both Benzema and Haaland, he signals that the striker possesses a blend of physical presence, technical skill, and football intelligence that is rare for a player of his age.
The comparison to Benzema highlights João’s versatility—his ability to operate effectively inside the penalty area, drift wide, link play and dominate aerial duels—while the Haaland parallel underscores his goal‑scoring instincts and potential to become a consistent threat at the highest level. Looking ahead, the expectations placed on João Pedro are substantial. Maintaining the current scoring rate, expanding his contribution in key moments, and continuing to develop his all‑round game will be essential if he is to solidify his place among the Premier League’s elite forwards. Alonso’s confidence suggests that the coaching staff will provide the support and tactical framework needed for the Brazilian to refine his strengths and address any lingering weaknesses.
In sum, João Pedro’s early-season performances have not only earned him individual accolades but have also sparked a broader conversation about his standing in world football. With Alonso’s public praise, a renewed national team call‑up, and a thriving partnership with Palmer and Rogers, the young striker appears poised to build on his momentum and perhaps, in time, become a regular fixture in discussions about the best strikers in the game today.