Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has drawn a striking comparison between striker Joao Pedro and two of the greatest forwards of their generation — Karim Benzema and Erling Haaland — following another impressive start to the campaign from the Brazil international.

Joao Pedro, 24, has scored twice and contributed two assists across his first three Premier League appearances this season, earning him the Premier League Player of the Month award on Friday — the first time he has claimed the honour. He pipped team-mate Cole Palmer, who was Chelsea's previous recipient of the award in September 2024.

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When pressed on whether Joao Pedro could stand alongside Haaland — who claimed last season's Premier League Golden Boot with 27 goals — Alonso gave an emphatic response.