Xabi Alonso’s comparison of Joao Pedro to Karim Benzema has found support from unlikely quarters. Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink says he sees the similarities between the Brazil international and the Real Madrid legend.
Pedro has scored three goals and provided three assists in four Premier League matches this season. Alonso praised the 24-year-old’s all-round game, noting his technical ability, intelligence and composure in front of goal. “He reminds me of 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.”
Hasselbaink told GOAL he can see the connection. “They’re both really technical, really intelligent,” the Dutchman said. “They both can come into midfield and play. And they’re both really calm in front of goal. Joao Pedro is not there yet, but I can see similarities.”
Pedro is currently recovering from a knee injury that forced him to withdraw from Brazil duty and miss last week’s 3-0 defeat to Brentford. Alonso will assess his fitness before Chelsea’s next match against Bournemouth on 10 October.
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