Xabi Alonso compares Chelsea's João Pedro to Benzema after PL award

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has likened forward João Pedro to former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, praising the Brazilian’s all‑round game after Pedro was named Premier League Player of the Month. Alonso noted that Pedro is effective in the box, out wide, on his left foot, strong in the air and tactically smart, calling him "very complete." Pedro is now the club’s only senior striker after Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu and Liam Delap departed in the summer transfer window. His award makes him the first Chelsea player to receive the PL Player of the Month honour since Cole Palmer’s second win in September 2024, ending nearly a two‑year drought for the Blues.

The comparison matters because Chelsea’s attacking options have been thinned, placing greater responsibility on Pedro to lead the line. Alonso’s endorsement signals confidence in the striker’s ability to shoulder the scoring burden and adapt to different tactical setups. For fans, Pedro’s form could determine whether Chelsea sustains a push for top‑four finishes or struggles for goals as the season progresses.

If Alonso’s faith is justified, expect Pedro to feature prominently in Chelsea’s starting XI, potentially earning more individual accolades and helping the team convert chances into points. Watch for how he integrates with midfield creators and whether his Benzema‑style link‑up play unlocks tighter defenses.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/12/epl-he-reminds-me-of-benzema-xabi-alonso-hails-chelsea-forward/