Alonso compares Chelsea's Pedro to Benzema and Haaland

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has compared striker Joao Pedro to former Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema and rated him on a similar level to Manchester City's Erling Haaland. The comments came after Pedro was named the Premier League Player of the Month for August 2026, his first such award. Alonso, who played alongside Benzema at Real Madrid, highlighted Pedro's versatility and intelligence. "In many things he reminds me of Benzema, because he is good in the box, he is good out of the box, he is good coming to his left side, he is good with the head, he is very complete, he is intelligent," Alonso said. When asked if Pedro was on the same level as Haaland, the Chelsea boss replied, "I would say yes." The praise follows a strong start to the 2026-27 season for the 24-year-old Brazilian. Pedro scored two goals and provided two assists in his first three Premier League matches, helping Chelsea secure early victories. His performances earned him the August Player of the Month award, making him the first Chelsea player to win the prize since Cole Palmer in September 2024. Pedro's form has been a key factor in Chelsea's early-season momentum.