The Brazilian has found the back of the net five times in as many Premier League appearances this term - including a brace last time out in the 5-1 home win over Bournemouth - in addition to registering three assists in the top flight.

Speaking ahead of our next fixture, away at Everton tomorrow, Alonso explained why he's been delighted with Joao Pedro’s form so far and is confident the 25-year-old can show the consistency to maintain that form throughout this season.

‘That's what we want, that’s what he wants,’ said the Chelsea manager. ‘It’s not just about right now that he has scored five goals.

‘From the first day of pre-season we spoke about that, the next step that he wanted, and he started really well with the pre-season and this season as well. So it's about continuing.

‘When you want to become a top striker in this league, you need to be ready in each game to have your impact. He's having it and we need that he keeps going.

‘So far, and before this, I could see him scoring lots of goals, and he's in a good moment. He will have a very good season because he's hungry for that and he's scoring goals.

‘He wants to be in the box and wants to help the team around the box as well. He's very complete. I really like the way he plays and the way he's connecting with his team-mates.’

Alonso knows he will need Joao Pedro and his fellow Blues in good form for tomorrow’s trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton are currently one place ahead of Chelsea in the Premier League table, sitting fifth due to their narrowly better goal difference, and provide the kind of physical challenge that has caused the Blues difficulties in the past.

‘Absolutely it's a challenge for us to win one of these games, but for me all the games are tough,’ he added. ‘Bournemouth were tough and we won the game.

‘Each one is difficult, and away even more difficult. That's why tomorrow we know that we need to do many things right football-wise, competitive-wise, in terms of fights, duels, playing good with the ball.

‘So it will be very demanding and it's going to be challenging. For sure, we are aware of that.’