Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has compared João Pedro with former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, praising the Brazilian forward’s versatility and all-round ability.

Pedro is currently Chelsea’s only senior striker after Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu and Liam Delap all left the club during the summer transfer window.

Alonso said he had opted to rely on Pedro because of the range of qualities the 23-year-old brings to Chelsea’s attack.

“In many things, João Pedro reminds me of Karim Benzema,” Alonso said.

“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 and smart.”

Pedro’s performances have already earned him recognition this season, with the Brazilian named the Premier League Player of the Month.

He is the first Chelsea player to receive the monthly award in almost two years, following Cole Palmer’s second Player of the Month honour in September 2024.