Xabi Alonso says Joao Pedro is in the same bracket as Erling Haaland | OneFootball

Xabi Alonso says Joao Pedro now belongs in the same bracket as Erling Haaland after the Brazilian’s blistering start to the season. According to Goal.com, the Chelsea manager made the comparison as he assessed the forward’s early impact.

Pedro was named Player of the Month for August on Friday, edging team-mate Cole Palmer to the award. He has been central to Chelsea’s early momentum, contributing two goals and two assists across his first three matches.

Pedro recently committed to a contract running to 2034, underlining his status as a cornerstone of the Cobham project. Alonso’s system, built on mobility and sharp decision-making in the front line, appears tailored to his range and physical presence.

Asked whether Pedro can be compared to Haaland, who claimed last season’s Golden Boot with 27 goals, Alonso said he would place his striker among the Premier League’s elite forwards.

He also likened Pedro’s all-round game to Karim Benzema, pointing to influence both inside and outside the box. Pedro has operated as a midfielder, a number 10 and a winger, a versatility that unsettles modern defences.

Despite his club form, Pedro was a surprise omission from Brazil’s World Cup squad this summer, then earned a recall for September’s fixtures against New Zealand and India. Alonso said he required no extra motivation, highlighting the player’s maturity and clear aim to have a great season and score a lot of goals.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”