High praise from a serious source. Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso says Chelsea striker Joao Pedro is similar in style to his former team-mate Karim Benzema and at a comparable level to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. The 24-year-old Brazil international was named Premier League Player of the Month on Friday for the first time, and has 25 goals since joining Chelsea at the start of last season.
What Xabi Alonso Said About Joao Pedro
Alonso described Joao Pedro as a Benzema-type striker: a number nine who drops in, links play and creates for others as well as scoring. On output, he put the Chelsea forward in the same bracket as Haaland, the Premier League’s most prolific striker of recent seasons.
Alonso played alongside Benzema for five seasons at Real Madrid between 2009 and 2014, so the comparison comes from someone who watched the Frenchman up close every day.
Joao Pedro’s Chelsea Numbers
Since arriving from Brighton at the start of last season, Joao Pedro has scored 25 goals in all competitions, including one in Chelsea’s Club World Cup final win. This season he has two goals and two assists in his first three games.
That start earned him Premier League Player of the Month, beating team-mate Cole Palmer, Chelsea’s previous winner of the award. It is the Brazilian’s first individual honour in English football.
Why the Haaland Comparison Matters for the Premier League
Haaland has set the standard for Premier League strikers since 2022, so being rated at his level by a coach of Alonso’s calibre is a statement. For Chelsea, it suggests the club may finally have the elite centre-forward it has chased for years.
With Palmer supplying from behind, Chelsea now have two of the league’s form players in the same attack. If Joao Pedro maintains this rate, the Golden Boot race could be a genuine contest for the first time in a while.
FAQ
What did Xabi Alonso say about Joao Pedro?
Xabi Alonso said Joao Pedro is similar in style to Karim Benzema, his former Real Madrid team-mate, and at a comparable level to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.
How many goals has Joao Pedro scored for Chelsea?
Joao Pedro has scored 25 goals since joining Chelsea at the start of last season, including one in the Club World Cup final.
Did Joao Pedro win Premier League Player of the Month?
Yes. He was named Player of the Month on Friday for the first time, finishing ahead of Chelsea team-mate Cole Palmer.
How old is Joao Pedro?
Joao Pedro is 24 and a Brazil international.
Who did Joao Pedro play for before Chelsea?
He came through at Fluminense in Brazil before joining Watford and then Brighton, moving to Chelsea at the start of last season.
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