Joao Pedro reminds me of Karim Benzema and is on same level as Erling Haaland, says Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso

11 September 2026, 13:43 | Updated: 11 September 2026, 15:49

Xabi Alonso has likened Joao Pedro to Karim Benzema and said the Chelsea striker is on the same level as Erling Haaland.

Joao Pedro was named the Premier League's player of the month for August on Friday after contributing two goals and two assists in his first three games of the season for the Blues.

Alonso has been delighted by his impact and feels the 24-year-old, who scored 20 goals in 50 games for Chelsea last term, should be seen in the same category as his Manchester City counterpart.

"I would say yes," said Alonso when asked in his press conference if he sees him as being on the same level as Haaland.