Admiration for Pedri
On Thursday, both Jack Grealish and Paul Scholes expressed their admiration for Pedri following his standout performance in Barcelona’s Champions League opener, where they edged out Newcastle United with a 2-1 victory. Although Marcus Rashford stole the spotlight with two goals on his England return, Pedri’s playmaking skills shone brightly alongside Frenkie de Jong in the midfield.
Social Media Praise
Scholes, a former Manchester United star, took to Instagram to share his excitement, calling Pedri “my new favourite footballer,” while Grealish, currently on loan at Everton from Manchester City, highlighted the duo of Pedri and De Jong as “a joy to watch” on social media.
Pedri’s Performance
At 22, Pedri has previously battled injuries but has thrived since Hansi Flick’s appointment as manager in the summer of 2024. His performance against Newcastle was pivotal, showcasing his ability to manage the game effectively. Barcelona controlled the match with 63.8% possession, and Pedri led the field with an impressive 113 touches and completed 93 passes at a remarkable 91.4% accuracy.
Impact in Stoppage Time
His impact was particularly crucial during the tense seven minutes of stoppage time, where he helped maintain momentum despite Anthony Gordon’s late goal that narrowed the score. Gordon himself acknowledged the challenge posed by Barcelona’s style, describing it as a significant learning opportunity, distinct from what Premier League teams usually face. He noted the fluidity and precision of Barcelona’s midfield play as a tough obstacle, claiming,
“I thought they were the best I’ve played against in that sense of the game.”
Last Season’s Success
Last season, Pedri was integral to Barcelona’s success, contributing to their La Liga title, Copa del Rey victory, and the Spanish Supercopa, although they fell short in the Champions League, losing to Inter Milan in the semifinals. This season, he has appeared in all five matches, helping Barcelona remain undefeated in their league campaign as well as in their Champions League opener.
