Four Traits Linking Joao Pedro and Karim Benzema, According to Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Joao Pedro Compared to Karim Benzema by Xabi Alonso
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso recently made a striking comparison between Chelsea's striker Joao Pedro and former Real Madrid star Karim Benzema. The bold statement caught attention, and Chelsea legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink shared his views during an exclusive chat with GOAL, outlining four key qualities that connect the young Brazilian forward with the celebrated French marksman.
Benzema’s Legacy and Pedro’s Rise
Karim Benzema stands as one of the great forwards of his generation. With 354 goals across 14 seasons at Real Madrid and a 2022 Ballon d'Or win, Benzema is often grouped with elite goal scorers like Robert Lewandowski, Luis Suarez, Sergio Aguero, and Harry Kane. He was also part of the famed 'BBC' trio alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.
Meanwhile, Joao Pedro has been making waves at Chelsea since his £60 million ($79 million) move from Brighton in 2025. In his debut season at Stamford Bridge, Pedro already reached 20 goals, showing promise though still on a trajectory far from Benzema’s career highs.
Alonso’s Praise for Pedro
Alonso highlighted Pedro’s versatility and intelligence, saying:
“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 on Shared Attributes
The former Chelsea striker recognizes the similarities too. Speaking with GOAL and MrQ, Hasselbaink 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.”
Current Form and Defensive Concerns at Chelsea
This season, Pedro has scored three times but has struggled with a minor injury that has kept him from linking up consistently with playmakers Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer. Chelsea have shown promise in attack but face difficulties defending, conceding 10 goals in their last four matches across competitions.
To help address defensive 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.
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.”
Looking Ahead
Chelsea currently have only one point from their last three Premier League games and are eager to improve their defense before facing AFC Bournemouth at home on October 10. Hopefully, Pedro will return by then, ready to reignite Chelsea’s attack as they try to turn their season around.
- Next match: Chelsea vs AFC Bournemouth
- Date: 10 October 2026
- Time: 17:00
