Joao Pedro plays down Benzema comparison after Chelsea's 2-2 Hull draw
Synopsis
Xabi Alonso compared his Chelsea forward Joao Pedro to Karim Benzema — and Pedro's response was striking in its modesty. Despite 3 goals and 3 assists in just 4 league games, the Brazilian insists Benzema is 'on another level', even as a 2-2 drop against newly promoted Hull City raises early questions about Chelsea's title credentials.
Key Takeaways
Joao Pedro played down comparisons with Karim Benzema , saying the Real Madrid legend is 'on another level' despite manager Xabi Alonso 's likening of their styles.
Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw by Hull City at Stamford Bridge on 13 September , surrendering a lead before Pedro equalised in the 66th minute .
Pedro has now scored 3 goals and registered 3 assists in 4 Premier League appearances this season.
Mohamed Belloumi scored twice for Hull to overturn Chelsea's early advantage; Hull extended their unbeaten start to the top-flight season.
Pedro highlighted his growing partnership with Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers , calling the trio 'very dangerous' when playing close together.
Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has brushed aside comparisons with Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema, insisting the Frenchman remains 'on another level' even as he acknowledged stylistic similarities — comments that came after Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw by Hull City at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on 13 September.
The remarks followed Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso's pre-match praise of the 24-year-old Brazilian, who Alonso likened to his former Real Madrid teammate Benzema because of his ability to contribute both inside and outside the penalty area.
Pedro's Response to the Benzema Comparison
'I think maybe the style, the way I play — I like to come deep, and I like to link up with my teammates, but, of course, Benzema is on another level,' Pedro said after the final whistle. The forward was careful to acknowledge the compliment while deflecting the weight of the comparison with characteristic humility.
Alonso had made the remarks ahead of the Hull clash, singling out Pedro's all-round qualities as reminiscent of the former France international who won the 2022 Ballon d'Or during his storied career at Real Madrid.
How the Match Unfolded
Morgan Rogers broke the deadlock in the seventh minute, set up by Pedro himself. Hull City, however, struck back quickly through a double from Mohamed Belloumi, taking a 2-1 lead into the interval. Pedro restored parity for the hosts in the 66th minute, converting a delivery from Cole Palmer to make it 2-2.
Chelsea pressed for a winner in the closing stages but could not break through, settling for a single point. Hull, meanwhile, extended their unbeaten run at the start of their Premier League campaign — a notable achievement for the promoted side.
Pedro's Form and Impact on the Season
The result did little to diminish Pedro's individual contribution, which has been one of the positives for Chelsea so far. He now has three goals and three assists in four Premier League appearances this season — a direct involvement in six points' worth of output in as many games. 'I just try to enjoy every game and try to help my team with goals or assists. I'm in a very good moment and I'm very happy,' he said.
Pedro also highlighted his growing chemistry with Palmer and Rogers, a trio that has repeatedly combined to good effect. 'I enjoy playing with Palmer and Rogers a lot because they are very good players and I know when we play close, we can be very dangerous. We showed that again,' he said.
Chelsea's Warning Signs Despite the Point
Despite Pedro's optimism, the draw underscored defensive vulnerabilities that Chelsea cannot afford in a congested Premier League season. The Brazilian was direct in his assessment: 'We have to adapt quickly, as soon as possible, because we know how the Premier League is. If you drop points, in the end it will be difficult to recover.'
Chelsea's inability to hold an early advantage — ceding two goals in quick succession to a newly promoted side — will concern Alonso as the club looks to mount a sustained title challenge. With the season still young, the dropped points carry an early warning.
Point of View
And Alonso, for all his tactical pedigree, has a defensive organisation problem to solve before the season slips away from him.
NationPress
13 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Joao Pedro say about the Benzema comparison?
Joao Pedro acknowledged a stylistic similarity — particularly his tendency to drop deep and link play — but insisted Karim Benzema is 'on another level'. The comments came after Chelsea's 2-2 draw with Hull City at Stamford Bridge on 13 September.
Why did Xabi Alonso compare Joao Pedro to Benzema?
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso — who was a teammate of Benzema at Real Madrid — drew the comparison ahead of the Hull City match, praising Pedro's ability to contribute both inside and outside the penalty area, a quality he associated with Benzema's style of play.
How did Chelsea's match against Hull City end?
Chelsea drew 2-2 with Hull City at Stamford Bridge. Morgan Rogers opened the scoring in the seventh minute, Hull struck twice through Mohamed Belloumi to lead 2-1 at half-time, and Pedro equalised in the 66th minute with a finish from Cole Palmer's delivery.
What are Joao Pedro's Premier League stats so far this season?
As of 13 September, Joao Pedro has scored 3 goals and provided 3 assists in just 4 Premier League appearances this season, making him one of Chelsea's most productive players in the early weeks of the campaign.
What did Pedro say about Chelsea's dropped points?
Pedro stressed the need to improve quickly, warning that dropped points are hard to recover in the Premier League. 'If you drop points, in the end it will be difficult to recover. We need to adapt quickly because if you want to compete, you have to improve on that,' he said.
