Xabi Alonso Backs Joao Pedro for Premier League Golden Boot Challenge

Joao Pedro has received a major vote of confidence from Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, who believes the Brazilian striker has the quality to challenge for the Premier League Golden Boot this season.

The 24-year-old forward has continued his impressive form at Stamford Bridge after a strong first season with Chelsea. His performances at the beginning of the 2026-27 campaign have already placed him among the leading attacking players in the league.

Alonso was asked about Pedro’s chances of competing with the Premier League’s top goalscorers. The Chelsea boss made it clear that he considers the Brazil international to be in the same conversation as Erling Haaland.

“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,” Alonso said, via BBC Sport.

Xabi Alonso Compares Joao Pedro to Karim Benzema

Alonso went further by comparing Pedro’s style and qualities to former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema. The Chelsea manager knows Benzema well after sharing the pitch with the French forward on numerous occasions during his playing career in Madrid.

According to Alonso, Pedro has several characteristics that remind him of the legendary striker. The Chelsea forward is capable of contributing both inside and outside the penalty area and can threaten opponents in different ways.

“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,” Alonso said.

The manager also acknowledged that Pedro is still young and has areas of his game that can improve. However, he believes the striker already possesses several outstanding qualities that can make him a major force in English football.

Joao Pedro Makes Fast Start to 2026-27 Season

Pedro’s early-season numbers have helped explain Alonso’s confidence. The Brazilian became Chelsea’s first striker to win the Premier League Player of the Month award since Diego Costa in November 2016 after recording two goals and two assists across his first three league matches of the campaign.

His form also began during pre-season, when he reportedly scored seven goals. Rather than slowing down once competitive matches started, Pedro has carried that confidence into the new Premier League season.

His performances have made him an important part of Chelsea’s attacking plans under Alonso. The manager will now hope that the striker can maintain his consistency over the full campaign.

Pedro Has Already Reached a Major Chelsea Milestone

Pedro also enjoyed a productive 2025-26 campaign, becoming Chelsea’s first striker to score 20 goals in a season since Diego Costa.

That achievement has raised expectations around the Brazilian as he enters another season at Stamford Bridge. If he can continue scoring regularly, he could become one of the main contenders for the Premier League Golden Boot.

Standing in his way will be some of the league’s most prolific forwards, including Manchester City striker Erling Haaland. Haaland has consistently been among the competition’s leading goalscorers, making Alonso’s prediction a significant endorsement of Pedro’s ability.

Alonso’s Experience With Elite Strikers Could Help Pedro

During his playing career, Alonso shared dressing rooms and the pitch with several world-class attackers. His experience working alongside elite forwards could prove valuable as he looks to get the best out of Pedro at Chelsea.

The comparison with Benzema is particularly interesting because the former Real Madrid striker was known for much more than simply finishing chances. His movement, link-up play, intelligence and ability to create space made him a complete forward.

Those are qualities Alonso appears to see in Pedro. The Chelsea manager will now be hoping the Brazilian can continue developing those aspects while maintaining his goalscoring form.

Thibaut Courtois Set for New Real Madrid Contract

Elsewhere, former Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is reportedly close to extending his stay at Real Madrid. The Belgium international joined the Spanish club from Chelsea in 2018 and has remained an important figure at the Santiago Bernabéu.

According to reports from Fabrizio Romano, an agreement between Courtois and Real Madrid is imminent. His current contract is scheduled to expire in June 2027, with the club reportedly following its policy of offering one-year extensions to players over the age of 30.

Courtois has featured in every Real Madrid match so far this season. The club have won four of their first five games, with the goalkeeper continuing to play a key role between the posts.

The Belgian remains highly regarded at Real Madrid, and a contract extension would secure the future of one of the club’s most experienced players.

Joao Pedro’s Golden Boot Challenge Begins

With Alonso backing him to compete with Haaland and comparing his qualities to Benzema, expectations around Joao Pedro are now higher than ever.

The Chelsea striker has already demonstrated his ability to score and contribute to the team’s attacking play. The biggest challenge will be maintaining that level throughout the long Premier League season.

If Pedro can continue his current form, Chelsea could have a genuine contender in the Golden Boot race. For now, Alonso’s comments show just how highly the manager rates his Brazilian forward.