Joao Pedro scored and assisted in the wins over Fulham and Brighton and Hove Albion that got our 2026/27 campaign off to the perfect start. He duly received the Premier League Player of the Month award for the first time in a career that is continuing to reach new heights.

Alonso has only spent a couple of months working with Joao Pedro, but it is already clear to our manager what an outstanding talent he has at his disposal.

‘He's been top, not just football-wise but personality-wise, his maturity,’ said Alonso. ‘He has a very strong goal this year: to have a great season, to score many goals, to be a [Player of the Month] nominee not just this month, but for more months.

‘I'm really not surprised, but am really happy with the kind of player that we have with Joao.’

Alonso has no qualms putting Joao Pedro in the same category as Erling Haaland when it comes to the Premier League’s top strikers.

And it is not only Joao Pedro’s goal contributions that have impressed Alonso; his all-round centre-forward play has contributed to the dynamic attacking performances the Blues have produced thus far under the Blues manager.

In fact, our No.9’s strengths bring to mind one of Alonso’s former Real Madrid team-mates – and one of the greatest of all time.

‘As a profile of striker, he seems to be able to do everything,’ said Alonso. ‘He reminds me of (Karim) Benzema because he's good in the box, he's good out of the box, he's good coming to the left side, good with the head. He's very complete. He's intelligent.

‘So yes, he’s still young, and he still has things to develop, but he has many absolutely outstanding qualities.’

We look forward to seeing them on show again today when Hull City visit the Bridge.