Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has compared Joao Pedro with Karim Benzema and Erling Haaland after his strong start to the season.
Joao Pedro has made an impressive start to the new Premier League season with Chelsea. The 24-year-old was named the Premier League Player of the Month for August on Friday.
Pedro scored two goals and provided two assists in his first three league games. He also earned a Brazil recall this week after missing Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad.
Alonso compares Joao Pedro with Haaland
Alonso said Pedro belongs among the Premier League’s top strikers. He also believes the Chelsea forward is on the same level as Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.
Asked whether he rates Pedro at Haaland’s level, Alonso said: “I would say yes.”
The Chelsea boss praised Pedro’s football ability and his character. He also highlighted the striker’s maturity and strong desire to improve.
“He has been top. Not just football-wise, personality-wise,” Alonso said.
Pedro scored 20 goals in 50 appearances for Chelsea last season. Alonso now expects him to build on that record and enjoy an even stronger campaign.
Pedro reminds Alonso of Benzema
Alonso also compared Pedro with his former Real Madrid team-mate Karim Benzema. The former France striker scored 354 goals in 658 games for Real Madrid.
“In many things he reminds me of Benzema,” Alonso said.
Alonso pointed to Pedro’s ability to play in different areas of the attack. He said the striker is effective inside and outside the box and can also move towards the left.
The Chelsea manager described Pedro as a complete and intelligent player. He added that the young forward still has areas of his game to develop.
Chelsea attack impresses
Pedro has formed an attacking partnership with Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers. Both players have also made a strong impact under Alonso.
The three forwards have combined for six goals and four assists across Chelsea’s first three Premier League games. Pedro believes their different qualities help the attack work well.
He said Palmer is mainly a No 10 who can both create and score. Rogers offers more ball carrying and dribbling, while Pedro plays more as a traditional No 9.
Pedro also said he is happy to play alongside the two attacking players. He believes their similar way of thinking helps them complement each other.
Brazil recall boosts Pedro
Pedro’s strong Chelsea form has also brought him back into the Brazil squad. His omission from Ancelotti’s World Cup squad had been difficult for the striker.
Alonso said that disappointment is now in the past. He wants Pedro to focus on his performances and continue improving.
Chelsea next face Hull at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Pedro will look to continue his strong run after winning the Premier League’s August player award.
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