Joao Pedro can become one of Premier League’s best strikers, says Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso believes Joao Pedro has made a significant step towards establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s leading strikers after a prolific start to his Chelsea career.

The Brazilian has scored five goals in five league appearances this season, including two in Chelsea’s 5-1 win over Bournemouth in their most recent match. He has also created three goals for team-mates, underlining his growing importance to Alonso’s attack.

Alonso is pleased with the 25-year-old’s progress but has warned him that maintaining his standards throughout the campaign will be crucial.

“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,” Alonso said.

“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.”

The Chelsea manager said Joao Pedro had shown both the desire and the quality required to challenge the Premier League’s best forwards. Alonso has been impressed by the striker’s performances in training as well as in competitive fixtures.

“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 added.

“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.”

Joao Pedro will be expected to maintain his form when Chelsea visit Everton on Saturday.

The sides are separated only by goal difference in the Premier League table, with Everton in fifth place just above Chelsea. The match therefore represents an important opportunity for both teams to strengthen their positions close to the top of the standings.

Alonso anticipates a difficult afternoon at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, where he believes Chelsea will need to cope with Everton’s physical approach while also showing composure and quality in possession.

“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,” he said.

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