Alonso previously said Joao Pedro reminds him of the well-rounded Karim Benzema.
Chelsea striker Joao Pedro has had his say after Xabi Alonso compared him to Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema.
Calling Joao Pedro’s start to the season outstanding is a bit of an understatement.
Alongside Cole Palmer and summer signing Morgan Rogers, Joao Pedro forms arguably the best attacking trio in the Premier League.
The 24-year-old, who has taken over the number nine shirt at Chelsea this campaign, is leading the league in direct goal contributions (six - three goals and three assists), after bagging a goal and an assist in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Hull City.
He has also created seven chances in the league, only behind Rogers (10) and Palmer (nine) at Chelsea.
The numbers show that he is clearly more than just a goalscorer, and Alonso believes the striker shares similarities with his former Real Madrid teammate Benzema.
“As a profile of striker, he seems to be able to do everything,” Alonso said about the Brazil international last week.
“He reminds me of (Karim) Benzema because he's good in the box, he's good out of the box, he's good coming to the left side, good with the head.
“He's very complete. He's intelligent.”
Joao Pedro’s humble reaction
The striker is obviously aware of his incredible form, having recently been named the Premier League Player of the Month for August.
However, while he himself could see the similarities, he argued he still needs to do more to catch up with Benzema.
“I think maybe the style, the way I play; I like to come deep and I like to link up with my teammates,” Joao Pedro told Chelsea’s in-house media when speaking about the comparison.
“But, of course, Benzema is on another level.
“I just try to enjoy every game and try to help my team with goals or assists. I'm in a very good moment, and I'm very happy.”
In late August, Chelsea awarded Joao Pedro with an improved contract, tying him to the club until the summer of 2034.
It was no surprise given the striker has established himself as one of the first names on the Chelsea teamsheet.
Similar to Benzema, Joao Pedro likes to drop deeper to get more involved in the play and drift to the left, using his ability to drive with the ball.
He has stayed up front most of the season, but he played as a number 10 on several occasions last term, especially during Palmer’s injury absence.
However, with Palmer fit again and Rogers’ arrival, Alonso has had little reason to play Joao Pedro in a deeper role.
The Brazilian’s role is clear: he will lead Chelsea's line in league matches. He has played full 90 minutes in each of Chelsea’s four league games and only 17 minutes in cup competitions so far.
Danny Welbeck appears to be the team's second striker option, while Emmanuel Emegha, who has yet to make his debut, is the third.
Joao Pedro finished last season with 20 goals and nine assists for the Blues across all competitions. He will likely beat that record in his second season at Stamford Bridge given his early season form.
