Xabi Alonso was asked to compare his main striker with the top number 9 in the world right now, and came up with a favourable conclusion.
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Joao Pedro just won the Premier League’s player of the month for August, after a run of 3 games where he racked up two goals and two assists.
That made it the perfect time to ask manager Xabi Alonso about him and where he sees the striker’s ceiling. The big question was asked in yesterday’s presser – is JP as good as Erling Haaland?
Alonso not afraid to put JP on top level
“I would say yes,” replied Alonso when asked if the Brazilian could be put alongside the Norwegian in the very top category of striker.
“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.”
“He’s been top. Not just football-wise, personality-wise, his maturity, his desire. He has a very strong goal this year to have a great season, score many goals and a nominee [for Player of the Month] not just for this month but for more months. I’m not surprised but really happy with the kind of player we have with Joao.”
Stylistically they are very different – Haaland is unmatched for pure ruthlessness in front of goal and physicality, but JP offers more on the ball and in open play.
In other news…
Alonso also gave an injury update on four Chelsea players who we’re waiting to see back in action.
Pedro Neto has signed a new contract at Chelsea, celebrating a strong start to the season with a deal until 2032.
