Alonso hails Joao Pedro as the new Benzema and Haaland

Chelsea striker Joao Pedro, 24, was named Premier League Player of the Month on Friday after scoring 25 goals since joining last season, and former Real Madrid captain Xabi Alonso likened his style to Karim Benzema and his level to Erling Haaland.

The Brazil international, 24, has contributed two goals and two assists in his opening three league games this season, a performance that secured him the Premier League Player of the Month award on Friday, edging teammate Cole Palmer who had previously won the accolade in September 2024. Xabi Alonso, now Chelsea’s head coach, praised the youngster’s impact.

Contract extension and squad role

Joao Pedro signed a new deal at Stamford Bridge last month that runs until 2034, and was allocated the number nine shirt at the start of the campaign. The forward became Chelsea’s first striker since Diego Costa to reach 20 goals in a debut season, and has amassed 25 goals and 11 assists in 57 appearances since his arrival last summer.

Alonso drew a parallel with Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, noting that the Norwegian forward netted 27 goals to claim last season’s Premier League Golden Boot. In his most recent 57 matches, Haaland has recorded 42 goals and nine assists, underscoring the high benchmark Joao Pedro is being measured against.

Xabi Alonso eyes La Liga defender Jules Kounde for Chelsea in January

The former Real Madrid captain also highlighted similarities with Karim Benzema, recalling his 195 appearances alongside the French striker. Like Benzema, Pedro is effective both inside and outside the box, adept on his left side, strong in the air and possesses intelligence and completeness.

International outlook and motivation

Despite being omitted from Brazil’s World Cup squad earlier this year, Joao Pedro has been recalled for September fixtures against New Zealand and India. Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti, who coached Alonso at Real Madrid, selected the forward after his strong club form.

Alonso insisted the omission had already provided sufficient motivation, describing it as painful but now behind him. He praised Pedro’s personality, maturity and desire, stating the striker’s clear goal is to enjoy a great campaign and score many goals.

The Getty Images caption and accompanying Image noted Pedro’s 25‑goal tally since joining Chelsea, including the decisive strike in the Club World Cup final. The article, published from the Cobham Training Centre, was released 28 minutes ago.