Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has compared striker João Pedro to the likes of Erling Haaland and Karim Benzema following his flying start to the new Premier League season.
Pedro, who was named the Premier League's player of the month for August, has scored two goals and registered two assists in the Blues' first three fixtures.
Last season, Pedro scored 20 goals in 50 games for Chelsea, with new manager Alonso saying his returns are in the same category as Manchester City's prolific striker.
"I would say yes," Alonso said on Friday when asked if Pedro could be compared to the Norwegian. "If you count how many top strikers we have in the Premier League, I'm sure that João is there, Haaland for sure is there. So I would rate him that way.
"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 João."
Pedro signed a new contract with Chelsea last month which is set to keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2032.
Alonso also said the Brazilian reminds him of his former Real Madrid teammate and Ballon d'Or winner Benzema.
The Frenchman, who scored 354 goals in 658 games for the Spanish giants, played alongside Alonso 195 times.
"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." Alonso said. "He is very complete, he is intelligent.
"So yes, he is still young, still things to develop, but many, many absolutely outstanding qualities that he has."
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