Alonso backs Joao Pedro to be Premier League top striker

Xabi Alonso has expressed confidence that Joao Pedro can establish himself among the Premier League's elite strikers after the Brazilian's blistering start to the season at Chelsea.

Joao Pedro has scored five goals in six Premier League appearances this term, including a brace in the 5-1 home win over Bournemouth, and has added three assists in the top flight.

'It's not just about right now that he has scored five goals,' said Alonso. '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.'

The Chelsea manager highlighted the 25-year-old's all-round game as a key factor in his form. '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.'

Alonso also pointed to the striker's mentality and movement. '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.'

Chelsea travel to Everton on Saturday, with the two sides currently separated only by goal difference in the Premier League table — Everton sitting fifth, Chelsea fourth. Alonso acknowledged the difficulty of the fixture.

'Absolutely it's a challenge for us to win one of these games, but for me all the games are tough,' he said. '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.'