Xabi Alonso has compared Joao Pedro to Erling Haaland and Karim Benzema after the Chelsea striker was named the Premier League's Player of the Month for August.

Alonso praised Joao Pedro's start to the season and highlighted similarities between the Brazilian and two of Europe's leading forwards.

Why Xabi Alonso Believes Joao Pedro Is Already At Erling Haaland's Level

Asked directly whether Joao Pedro belonged in the same category as Haaland, Alonso said he did.

"I would say yes," he said. "If you count how many top strikers we have in the Premier League, I'm sure that Joao is there; Haaland, for sure, is there. So I would rate him that way."

Joao Pedro has made a strong start to the season, scoring twice and providing two assists in his first three Premier League matches. Only Haaland, Alexander Isak and Bruno Fernandes have scored more in the league so far.

His underlying numbers also stand out. His 1.87 non-penalty expected goals figure is the highest among Chelsea players and fifth-highest in the Premier League. His 20 per cent shot-conversion rate is also the best among players with at least 1.5 expected goals.

Joao Pedro's strong start was rewarded with the Premier League's Player of the Month award for August, the first of his career. He finished ahead of Chelsea teammate Cole Palmer, who won the award in September 2024.

Haaland, meanwhile, won last season's Golden Boot with 27 league goals, the scoring record Alonso referenced when comparing the two strikers.

How Xabi Alonso's Karim Benzema Comparison Explains Joao Pedro's Versatility

Alonso also compared Joao Pedro to Karim Benzema, his former teammate at Real Madrid. The pair played 195 matches together in Madrid, where Benzema scored 354 goals in 658 appearances and won the Ballon d'Or in 2022.

"In many things, he reminds me of Benzema," Alonso said, "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."

He added that Joao Pedro still has room to improve: "So yes, he is still young, still has things to develop, but many, many absolutely outstanding qualities that he has."

The two comparisons highlight different aspects of Joao Pedro's game. Haaland is known primarily for his work in the penalty area, while Benzema was more involved in build-up play and could operate across the pitch.

Alonso's comparison also reflects Joao Pedro's versatility, having played as a number 10, winger, and central midfielder earlier in his career.

Joao Pedro joined Chelsea from Brighton for a reported £60 million and was handed the club's No. 9 shirt at the start of the season. He signed a new contract in August that keeps him at Chelsea until 2034, shortly before his current run of form began.

What Joao Pedro's Player Of The Month Award Means For Chelsea's Season

The comparisons came after a difficult period for Joao Pedro. He was left out of Brazil's squad for this year's World Cup over the summer, a decision Alonso said was painful for the player. He was later recalled for Brazil's September fixtures against New Zealand and India.

Alonso said the setback had not required him to intervene.

"He had enough motivation. He already had enough within him, so I didn't need to go there," he said. "It was painful for him, but that is in the past. We are now focused on what he is doing well and what he can do better.

"He has been outstanding, not just in football terms, but in his personality, his maturity, and his desire. He has a very clear goal this season, which is to have a great campaign and score a lot of goals."

Chelsea have not lost in their last 10 league meetings with Hull, although they have won none of their last four home league games against newly promoted sides.

Joao Pedro's form will be important as Chelsea look to change that record, with the forward having scored twice and provided two assists in his first three league appearances.