Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink Highlights Four Traits Joao Pedro Shares with Karim Benzema Following Xabi Alonso's Bold Comparison
Xabi Alonso has made a striking claim, suggesting that Chelsea striker Joao Pedro shares qualities with former Real Madrid star Karim Benzema. This opinion is backed by Chelsea legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who detailed four key traits the Brazilian forward possesses that remind him of the French goalscorer.
Benzema’s Legendary Status and Pedro’s Rising Profile
Benzema is widely regarded as one of the great forwards of his generation, standing alongside prolific scorers like Robert Lewandowski, Luis Suarez, Sergio Aguero, and Harry Kane. His career highlights include 354 goals for Real Madrid over 14 seasons, being part of the famous ‘BBC’ trio with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, and winning the Ballon d’Or in 2022.
While Pedro still has much ground to cover to reach such heights, he has impressed since joining Chelsea from Brighton in 2025 for £60 million ($79 million). He scored 20 goals in his first season at Stamford Bridge, marking a strong start.
Xabi Alonso on Pedro’s Strengths
"If you count how many top strikers we have in the Premier League, I’m sure that Joao is there, [Erling] 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 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. So yes, he is still young, still things to develop, but many, many absolutely outstanding qualities that he has."
Hasselbaink Sees Clear Parallels Between Pedro and Benzema
Hasselbaink, who once played for Chelsea himself, understands why people draw comparisons between the two forwards. Speaking with GOAL in partnership with MrQ, he said:
"I can understand that. I see similarities. They’re both really technical, really, really intelligent. They both can come into midfield and play. And they’re both really calm in front of the goal. So I can see similarities. Joao Pedro is not there yet. But I can see similarities."
Pedro’s Current Season and Chelsea’s Defensive Challenges
So far this season, Pedro has netted three goals but has been sidelined recently with a minor injury, interrupting his run alongside midfield creators Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer. Chelsea have shown promise in attack but continue to struggle defensively.
The Blues have strengthened their goalkeeping options by signing World Cup winner Emi Martinez from Aston Villa for £7.5 million ($10 million), aiming to address defensive vulnerabilities.
"The goals haven’t stopped. But I’m very pleased that the character itself has come in. And it’s a World Cup winner. He stands there, he’s a big unit, he’s a leader. And you can’t have enough of those in your squad.", Hasselbaink remarked."So obviously, he’s not played his best football yet. That is a combination of several things. Also the people in front of him. But I’m so happy that that kind of character has come into the building."
Chelsea’s Upcoming Fixtures and Pedro’s Return
Chelsea’s recent form has been shaky, earning only one point from their last three Premier League matches while conceding ten goals in the last four games across competitions. Xabi Alonso faces the challenge of tightening the defense during the early international break of the 2026-27 season.
Pedro is expected to return for the home match against AFC Bournemouth on October 10, where Chelsea hope to regain momentum.
- Premier League Match: Chelsea vs AFC Bournemouth
- Date: 10 October 2026
- Kickoff Time: 17:00
