Xabi Alonso has paid Joao Pedro the ultimate compliment, comparing the Chelsea striker to Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema.
Joao Pedro was a shining light for Chelsea in an otherwise disappointing 2025-26 campaign, scoring 20 goals across all competitions after joining from Brighton in a deal worth £60million.
This season, the Brazilian has made a flying start as he was named the Premier League Player of the Month for the first time in his career after scoring and assisting in wins over Fulham and Brighton.
While Joao Pedro is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the Premier League, Alonso has gone one step further by comparing him to Benzema - one of the greatest forwards of all time.
“He's been top, not just football-wise but personality-wise, his maturity,” the Chelsea manager said.
“He has a very strong goal this year: to have a great season, to score many goals, to be a [Player of the Month] nominee not just this month, but for more months.
“I'm really not surprised, but am really happy with the kind of player that we have with Joao.
“As a profile of striker, he seems to be able to do everything. He reminds me of (Karim) Benzema because he's good in the box, he's good out of the box, he's good coming to the left side, good with the head.
“He's very complete. He's intelligent.
“So yes, he’s still young, and he still has things to develop, but he has many absolutely outstanding qualities.”
Joao Pedro was rested for Chelsea’s comeback win over Leeds in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, but is expected to earn a recall for the visit of Hull in the Premier League on Saturday.
Chelsea’s No9 has only ever faced Hull twice previously - after being an unused substitute in the FA Cup win last season - when playing for Watford and is yet to score or taste victory against the Tigers.
