Xabi Alonso, the former Real Madrid and Liverpool midfielder, has likened Chelsea striker Joao Pedro to two of the most prominent strikers in the Premier League: Karim Benzema and Erling Haaland. Alonso believes that the 24-year-old Brazilian, who has already made a significant impact this season, is at a comparable level to both. Joao Pedro has scored twice and provided two assists in his first three games of the 2024-25 season and was recently named the Premier League's Player of the Month, marking his first individual award. He edged out his teammate Cole Palmer, who had previously won the honor in September 2024. Alonso made the comparison after noting Joao Pedro’s impressive performances. He specifically mentioned Haaland, who won last season’s Premier League Golden Boot with 27 goals, and stated that Joao Pedro belongs in the same category of top strikers. “I would say yes,” Alonso said. “If you count how many top strikers we have in the Premier League, I'm sure that Joao [Pedro] is there, Haaland for sure is there. So I would rate him that way.” Joao Pedro has been a consistent performer for Chelsea since joining the club last summer. He signed a new contract in August to stay at Stamford Bridge until 2034 and was given the number nine shirt, a symbol of his role as a primary striker. In his debut season, he became the first Chelsea forward since Diego Costa to score 20 goals in a single campaign. Over 57 matches, he has scored 25 goals and provided 11 assists. In contrast, Haaland has scored 42 goals and made nine assists in his last 57 games for Manchester City. Alonso also drew parallels between Joao Pedro and Benzema, his former Real Madrid teammate. He praised Joao Pedro’s versatility, noting that unlike Haaland, who is primarily a goalscorer, Joao Pedro has played in multiple positions, including midfielder, number 10, and winger. “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. Despite being young, Joao Pedro has shown a high level of skill and maturity, which Alonso believes will continue to develop.