Joao Pedro wins Premier League award as Alonso compares Chelsea star with Haaland, Benzema
Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has been named the Premier League Player of the Month after making an impressive start to the new season.
The 24-year-old beat team-mate Cole Palmer to the individual award after scoring twice and providing two assists in his first three league appearances.
It is the first time Joao Pedro has won the monthly prize since joining Chelsea, with Palmer having previously claimed the award for September 2024.
Alonso backs Joao Pedro among Premier League’s best
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso believes the Brazilian deserves to be ranked alongside Manchester City striker Erling Haaland among the Premier League’s leading forwards.
Asked whether Joao Pedro could be compared with Haaland, Alonso said: “I would say yes.
“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 quickly established himself as an important part of Alonso’s attack after being handed Chelsea’s number nine shirt this season.
He scored 20 goals during his first campaign at Stamford Bridge, becoming the club’s first striker since Diego Costa to reach that figure in a season. Overall, he has 25 goals and 11 assists in 57 appearances for Chelsea.
Chelsea boss sees Benzema qualities
Alonso also drew comparisons between Joao Pedro and Karim Benzema, having played alongside the former Real Madrid striker during his own career.
The Chelsea boss highlighted the Brazilian’s ability to contribute both inside and outside the penalty area, while praising his intelligence and versatility.
“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.
“He is still young, still things to develop, but many, many absolutely outstanding qualities that he has.”
Joao Pedro’s strong start has also seen him recalled to the Brazil squad after surprisingly missing out on the country’s World Cup selection.
Alonso believes the disappointment has already been put behind him, saying the forward has enough motivation within himself.
“He has been outstanding. Not just in football terms, but in his personality, his maturity and his desire,” Alonso added.
“He has a very clear goal this season, which is to have a great campaign and score a lot of goals.”