According to reports Pedri is currently a doubt to be in the lineup today, he had a bad stomach – with diarrhoea and vomiting, per multiple sources. His participation overall is under a question mark and the midfielder is likely to start the match against Valencia on the bench.
What Barca will miss out on
The absence of the maestro from the midfield will mean Barca will not have a game as fluid as they usually do. Flick’s side will have less control over the game and will have to work hard to progress the ball. There will be a lack of chances for the forwards too as the creative flare of Pedri will be absent.
How can Flick Pedri’s void?
Considering the quality that Pedri brings to Barcelona’s game it is unthinkable to consider he can be replaced by any player on Barca’s bench. However, desperate times will require Flick to make tactical changes and lead his side to 3 points against Valencia.
- The most obvious choice to fill in for Pedri is Frenkie de Jong as the Dutch midfielder understands the game like an elite CM and helps Barca’s out in maintaining possession and progressing the ball.
- Gavi can also play this role and help Barca in recovering possession with his aggressive pressing but he is also very decisive higher up the pitch. This makes him more likely to start in a CAM role in the absence of Dani Olmo
Hansi Flick again has a chance to prove his elite game management similar to what he achieved against Benfica in Barca’s remondata in Lisbon.