Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has compared Joao Pedro to his former Real Madrid teammate and Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema, praising the Brazilian striker's 'complete' skill set and predicting a standout season.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Hull City, Alonso said Pedro reminds him of Benzema in many aspects of his game. The 24-year-old, who joined Chelsea from Brighton last year in a deal worth up to £60m, has scored twice and assisted two goals in the opening three league games of the season.
Pedro's impressive form under Alonso
Chelsea have enjoyed a strong start under Alonso, winning four of their opening five matches across all competitions, with only a narrow defeat to champions Arsenal last week blemishing their record. The team's attack has already produced 16 goals, though they face a tough test against Hull City, who are yet to concede in the Premier League this season.
Pedro was voted Premier League Player of the Month for August, ahead of teammates Cole Palmer and £117m summer signing Morgan Rogers, who have also earned plaudits. Last season, Pedro was a rare bright spot in an otherwise difficult campaign for Chelsea, recording 20 goals and nine assists and being named Chelsea Player of the Season.
Alonso's praise for Pedro's qualities
Alonso believes Pedro should be considered among the best centre-forwards in the world, alongside Manchester City's Erling Haaland. 'If you count how many top strikers we have in the Premier League, I am sure that Joao is there. So I would rate him that way,' Alonso said.
'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 Joao.'
The Chelsea boss went further, comparing Pedro to Benzema, who won four La Liga titles and five Champions Leagues during a 14-year spell at Real Madrid, culminating in the Ballon d'Or in 2022. 'In many things he reminds me of him,' Alonso added. '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.'
Upcoming test against Hull City
Pedro's form will be crucial as Chelsea face Hull City, who boast the only unbeaten defensive record in the Premier League this season. The match represents a significant challenge for Alonso's side as they look to maintain their early momentum and close the gap on league leaders Arsenal.
