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Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have disagreed with Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior on Joao Pedro being among the world's best strikers.

The Brazilian scored his 18th goal in all competitions in theFA Cup fifth round extra-time win over Wrexham on Saturday evening. Pedro was named on the bench for the game, but made an impact when Chelsea needed it to secure their place in the quarter-final of the competition.

The goal follows the 24-year-old scoring a hat-trick and registering an assist in Wednesday night’s 4-1 Premier League win over Aston Villa.

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Speaking ahead of the game, when asked if Pedro is at the level of the likes of Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Kylian Mbappe, Rosenior said: "Joao is in that category now.

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“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 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.

"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."

Lineker and Shearer are not in agreement with Rosenior’s assessment, despite praising Pedro for his performances, particularly as a substitute against Wrexham.

Speaking on The Rest is Football, Lineker said: “I think it’s a tad premature.”

Shearer then added: “Yeah, I think he’s a very good player, he’s got great ability.

“He’s a level above. When he came on yesterday, he was a level above everyone yesterday and he stood out a mile with just his ability and his balance and touch and his technique and all of those things.

“But, no, I wouldn’t have him in those brackets, no.”

Pedro will look to continue to impress at the highest level when Chelsea travel to take on defending champions Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday night (8pm kick-off). Chelsea then host Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday before the second leg against PSG on Tuesday, 17 March.