Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso compares forward Joao Pedro to Karim Benzema

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has publicly praised forward Joao Pedro, comparing the 24-year-old’s playing style to that of former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema. The praise follows a strong start to the season for the forward, who earned the Premier League player of the month award for August. Pedro has logged six goal involvements across his first four league appearances, including a goal and an assist in the team's recent 2-2 draw with Hull City. Alonso highlighted the player's technical versatility, intelligence, and movement as key factors in his performance. The manager expressed satisfaction with the forward’s rapid development and professional maturity during his early tenure at the club. Pedro remains a central figure in the team's attacking plans as the Premier League season progresses.

• 2:55 PMYahoo Sports — “He reminds me of Benzema”: Xabi Alonso hails Joao Pedro’s complete game amid red‐hot Chelsea form