Chelsea striker Joao Pedro compared to Erling Haaland and Harry Kane and labelled 'world-class' by Liam Rosenior

Is Joao Pedro world class? Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior believes so, following a rich vein of form in front of goal from the Brazilian. The 24-year-old has scored 17 goals in all competitions this season and is growing into a prolific striker for Chelsea, with Rosenior claiming that he is in the "same category" as forwards Erling Haaland and Harry Kane.

Liam Rosenior has made the bold claim that Joao Pedro is in the "same category" as world-class strikers Erling Haaland and Harry Kane.

The Chelsea boss' comments come after Pedro spearheaded The Blues' emphatic 4-1 win over Aston Villa during the Premier League midweek fixtures with a stunning hat-trick to boost the club's UEFA Champions League hopes.

The Brazilian has now racked up 17 goals in all competitions in his debut Chelsea campaign, having signed from Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal worth £60 million during the summer.

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Asked whether Pedro is operating at the same level as world-class duo Haaland and Kane, Rosenior said: "Joao is in that category now. In the two months I've been here, he has consistently shown he is a world‑class striker.

"I talk about my players; it's disrespectful to Erling to compare them. I don't know Erling very well, but from the outside he looks [like] a magnificent, world‑class striker.

"I wouldn't swap Joao for anyone at this moment - he is showing all the qualities and attributes I want to see.

'Warrior' Pedro is 'scary' and can get even better, says Rosenior

Video credit: TNT Sports

"The great thing for Joao is his age - he can still improve, and I've already noticed several areas where he can get better. But the level he's operating at now is world class, and it's my job, the club's job and his job to keep him there."

Pedro has scored 14 goals in the Premier League this season, an even more impressive feat considering none of his efforts have come from the penalty spot. Only Haaland has scored more non-penalty goals in the division this season with 19.

Haaland has netted a total of 29 goals in all competitions this season, while Kane has netted an astonishing 45 for Bayern Munich.

Pedro, 24, will be hoping to add to his tally when Chelsea face Wrexham in the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday - live on TNT Sports and discovery+ - as The Blues look to continue their encouraging start under Rosenior.

Pedro is chasing a record of his own this campaign, as he needs three more goals to become the first Chelsea striker since fellow Brazilian-born attacker Diego Costa in 2016/17 to score 20 goals in all competitions in one season.

Pedro taps in from Garnacho pass to complete hat-trick

Video credit: TNT Sports

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