Pedri Gonzalez has been the crown jewel in Barcelona’s midfield this season. The number eight has displayed peak technicality, footballing IQ and style. He has weaved brilliant passes, glided past players on his broomstick and woven magic through his legs. Let’s discuss why Pedri is simply the best midfielder in the world and why doubting this is absurd.
Pedri’s Technical Mastery & Genius on the Ball
Pedri is in the form of his life, and every touch of the Spaniard has oozed magic this season. He has shown smooth ball control, passing and vision. Pedri has dominated the pitch like never before, and whether the situation requires a perfectly weighted pass or a silky dribble, the Spanish wizard has always obliged.
Pedri has scored four goals and assisted three times this season, but this isn’t even his best statistic. The Catalan magician has the most progressive passes into the penalty area in the whole of La Liga, and this stat speaks volumes of how good he has been. He has orchestrated Barca’s attacks, acted as Barca’s sole playmaker, and dismantled opponents through sheer quality.
The Ultimate Iniesta Reincarnate is already a Leader at Barca
At 22, Pedri is already a leader in the Barcelona lineup. The Spanish international has already taken up the leadership role in the Barca dressing room, and players look up to him.
“There are many young players, and by experience, I should be one of the leaders. I like being one, it’s a role I’m not afraid of. I want to take it on to help Barca win titles.”
Pedri has accredited his development to Hans-Dieter Flick. Flick has implemented a system in which Pedri has become a fundamental aspect of every Barcelona attack, and the ball almost always passes through his feet when building. He said:
“I really like this position because I’m in touch with the ball, I get a lot of passes, and the game goes through me. I feel more comfortable, and I’ve learned how to position myself better defensively,”
These words might remind culers of Iniesta as once the Barca legend had a similar role in the Barcelona midfield.
Pedri’s Magic Must Continue if the Catalans Strive to Win
Pedri has featured in a huge chunk of games this season, and the Catalans have shown a big dependency on the number 8. Although other midfielders like de Jong and Olmo have been stepping up, Pedri’s role is at another level currently in Barca’s midfield. And if Flick wants to continue winning, he’ll have to use him smartly.
Smart rotations will be crucial for Pedri, so the player doesn’t get heavy legs or fatigue in this defining phase of the season. The good news is that Pedri has been feeling superb lately. The Blaugrana wizard has expressed appreciation for the current fitness coach and training methodology. Let’s hope he remains at his best.
Pedri is undoubtedly Barca’s most influential midfielder, and his role in the center is unparalleled. The number eight might be the best midfielder in the world at the moment, and the player has silenced his haters through his performances.