Pedro GonzĂĄlez LĂłpez has once again shone on Europe’s biggest stage with a prodigious performance. Barca’s attack has not been the most consistent this season, the defenders have made individual errors that have cost Barca points but the maestro keeps on putting in at least 8/10 performances for his side. The adversity in Lisbon could not break Pedri’s streak of orchestrating the game either.
Barca’s creative artist
After gaining the lead against Barca, Benfica planned to sit back and not give Barca’s attack a sniff of the goal. Pedri however, had other plans as he became a nightmare for the Portuguese side on every inch of the pitch. Progressing the ball from deep under pressure completing 97/108 passes with a 90% accuracy and finding spaces between Benfica’s defense that didn’t exist by creating 6 chances (the most). Pedri kept knocking on the defensive line with his magical feet. It was his visionary pass to Lamine that won Barca a penalty and his mesmerizing cross to connect with Eric Garcia that brought them on level terms.
The complete midfielder
Pedri was not only key in the attack for La Blaugrana, but he also led his midfield to progress from deep. At the same time, he was tracking back to help the defense on counterattacks. The maestro isn’t the most physically strong player but his footballing genius allows him to make crucial interceptions. He made 4 recoveries and won 3/4 duels, each time Barca recovered possession Pedri sparked a counter for his side through his long balls 5/9.
If Pedri who is still 22 and hasn’t even hit his prime continues to be the magician he is, he will be eating at the same table as Xavi and Iniesta by the end of his career.