Chelsea Boss Xabi Alonso Compares Joao Pedro to Karim Benzema and Erling Haaland
BBC Sport reports that Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso believes striker Joao Pedro possesses qualities comparable to those of his former Real Madrid teammate, Karim Benzema, and the prolific Erling Haaland of Manchester City.
Joao Pedro has already made a significant impact at Chelsea, scoring 25 goals in 57 matches since his arrival last summer. He was recently awarded the Premier League Player of the Month for September, becoming the first Chelsea player to win the award since Cole Palmer in 2024.
Alonso highlights Pedro’s versatility, noting his ability to play as a striker, midfielder, or winger, and his complete skill set. He draws parallels to Benzema, praising Pedro’s intelligence and his prowess both inside and outside the penalty area.
"If you count how many top strikers we have in the Premier League, I’m sure that Joao [Pedro] is there… So I would rate him that way," Alonso said, referring to Pedro’s potential to rival Haaland, the current holder of the Premier League Golden Boot.
Alonso’s comparison underscores Pedro’s significance as a rising star in world football, with his unique blend of skills setting him apart on the pitch.
