“He reminds me of Benzema”: Xabi Alonso hails Joao Pedro’s complete game amid red‐hot Chelsea form

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has said Joao Pedro reminds him of former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema.

Pedro was named the Premier League's player of the month for August on Friday after scoring two goals and providing two assists in his first three games of the season.

The 24-year-old produced another goal and assist during Chelsea's 2-2 draw with Hull City at the weekend to make it six goal involvements in four appearances.

Alonso has been impressed with the forward's performances for his team and has likened Pedro to former teammate Karim Benzema.

The latter shone alongside Alonso at Real Madrid, where he scored 354 goals across 14 seasons. Alonso said he sees similarities between Pedro and the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner, in their movement and 'complete' games as centre-forwards.

"He has been top. Not just football-wise, personality-wise. His maturity, his desire." Alonso said.

"He has a very strong goal this year: to have a great season, to score many goals, and to be a nominee for not just this month but more months.

"I am not surprised, but really happy with the kind of player that we have here with Joao.

"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," added the Spaniard.

"So yes, he is still young, still things to develop, but many, many absolutely outstanding qualities that he has."