{
  "id": 6886427,
  "title": "Like Benzema & as good as Haaland – Alonso on Joao Pedro",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/like-benzema-as-good-as-haaland-alonso-on-joao-pedro",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-12T07:44:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Adom Online",
    "slug": "adom-online",
    "url": "https://www.adomonline.com/like-benzema-as-good-as-haaland-alonso-on-joao-pedro/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has been praised by manager Xabi Alonso for his similarity to Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema and Manchester City's Erling Haaland. The 24-year-old Brazil international has already scored twice and assisted twice in his first three matches of the Premier League season, earning him the Player of the Month award. Alonso compared Joao Pedro to the prolific Haaland, stating that he believes the forward is of a comparable level. Joao Pedro signed a new contract with Chelsea until 2034 and was given the number nine shirt at the start of the season. Known for his versatility, the forward has scored 25 goals and provided 11 assists in 57 matches since joining Chelsea last summer. Alonso, a former teammate of Benzema at Real Madrid, noted that Joao Pedro shares many qualities with the French striker, including his ability in front of goal and in the box. Despite not being selected for Brazil's World Cup squad, Joao Pedro has been recalled for September's international matches against New Zealand and India.",
  "summary": "Xabi Alonso says Chelsea striker Joao Pedro is similar in style to his former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema – and at a comparable level to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. The Brazil international, 24, has scored twice and provided two assists in his first three games of the season – and was named the Premier […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Joao Pedro compared to Benzema and Haaland by manager Xabi Alonso",
    "24-year-old Brazil forward scores twice and assists twice in first three Premier League matches",
    "Joao Pedro signs new contract with Chelsea until 2034"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Xabi Alonso's praise for Joao Pedro puts pressure on the young forward to sustain his form and justifies Chelsea's decision to tie him to a long-term contract.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "Like Benzema & as good as Haaland – Alonso on Joao Pedro",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/like-benzema-as-good-as-haaland-alonso-on-joao-pedro-6917436",
        "published": "2026-09-12T11:40:22.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}