Pedri and Bellingham, are two of the most promising youngsters of this new generation of football. Both players are arch-rivals playing for Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively. There is a debate going on, about who is the better player.
Why this debate is useless?
Despite being midfielders, both players play a very different role on the field. When both players have different roles with a contrasting playstyle this causes a different impact on the game, hence there is no sense in comparing both. Many fans say Bellingham wins you games, this statement is regarded due to Bellingham’s impressive stats. On the other hand, Pedri’s overall game is so beautiful to watch, stats do not give justice to the hard work he does on the pitch.
The roles
Bellingham is used in a more box-to-box role, where he is supposed to stay closer to the penalty box. This role requires more physicality and relentlessness, which Bellingham offers for his team. The more Bellingham stays near the box, he has more chances of getting those tap-ins and rebounds which improve his stats tally. Bellingham plays in a more free-roam area where he has to track back as well and help his team in defense.
Pedri has the role of controlling the whole game from mid-field. He loves to stay on the ball and look for spaces between the lines for the runners. He is more of a sort of deep-line playmaker, he loves to keep possession and is one who has the most passes. His role requires more patience and understanding of the tempo of the game, which Pedri offers. He is more of a naturally creative player who will have a great vision. Pedri’s ball-keeping ability is second to none, he is press-proven and keeps the ball brilliantly.