Four Traits Linking Joao Pedro to Karim Benzema, According to Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

Xabi Alonso, Chelsea’s manager, recently made a striking comparison between Joao Pedro and former Real Madrid star Karim Benzema. Alonso suggested that Pedro shares several qualities with the French forward, a claim backed by Chelsea legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in an exclusive interview with GOAL.

Benzema’s Legacy and Pedro’s Rise

Benzema, a Ballon d’Or winner, scored 354 goals during 14 seasons at Real Madrid. He stood among the elite strikers of his generation, alongside names like Robert Lewandowski, Luis Suarez, Sergio Aguero, and Harry Kane. Benzema also formed part of the famous 'BBC' trio with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. Despite currently being a free agent after leaving Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, his record remains exceptional.

On the other hand, Pedro, a South American striker, is still early in his career but has shown promising signs since his £60 million ($79 million) move from Brighton to Chelsea in 2025. He reached 20 goals in his first season at Stamford Bridge, indicating a bright future.

Alonso’s Praise for Pedro

Alonso said about Pedro: “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 added, “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 really happy with the kind of player that we have here with Joao.”

Alonso described Pedro as a well-rounded striker: “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 Similarities

Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink recognized why Pedro is being compared to Benzema. Speaking with GOAL, 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 Form and Chelsea’s Defensive Concerns

Pedro has scored three times this season but has been sidelined recently due to a minor injury, which has limited his attacking contributions alongside teammates Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer.

Chelsea have struggled defensively, conceding 10 goals in their last four matches across all competitions and earning just one point from their last three Premier League games. To help address these issues, Chelsea signed World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emi Martinez from Aston Villa for £7.5 million ($10 million).

Hasselbaink commented on Martinez’s impact: “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.”He added, “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.”

Looking Ahead

Chelsea hope to have Pedro back for their home game against AFC Bournemouth on October 10. The Blues will look to bounce back strongly when competitive action resumes after the international break.

• Premier League Fixture: Chelsea vs AFC Bournemouth
• Date: 10 October 2026
• Kick-off: 17:00