Hansi Flick’s Barcelona could not end the streak of negative results as Diego Simeone’s side made history by winning away at Barcelona for the first time since 2006. The only positive Culers could take from this match was Pedri putting on a show as what might be one of the most complete performances seen from a midfielder.
A passing maestro
Pedri was phenomenal in his passing, completing 63/71 passes with 89% accuracy. Still, the more impressive aspect was how he kept switching play, allowing his team to keep finding spaces between the Rojiblano defense. He completed 8/8 long balls moving the ball from side to side.
Gifting Chances like Christmas gifts
With Lamine Yamal out, the creativity of the team was on the midfield’s shoulders, Pedri with his amazing vision and technical abilities stepped up and created 3 Big Chances and 4 chances. If Barca’s front 3 Fermin, Lewandowski and Raphinha were more clinical he could easily have had a hattrick of assists.
Gliding through the pitch
Barca’s no.8 is not known for his dribbling abilities, he has averaged 1.02 dribbles per 90 minutes in the last 365 days. In this game he danced past defenders 4 times. No one was able to stop him.
The lone goalscorer
Pedri was the only name on the score sheet for Futbol Club Bacelona tonight as Lewandowski continued his poor form and Raphinha and Fermin couldn’t convert the chances presented to them by Pedri. Were it not for Jan Oblak’s brilliance he could have had a brace. Carried the ball past 3 defenders through such a tight space to combine with Gavi and finished perfectly in the bottom corner.
Are we witnessing Prime Pedri?
In all the years I have seen him at Barca he is on another level this season. Finally free from his injury curse he is the best midfielder in the world for me. Flick has added physicality to his profile and combined with his magical technical qualities he is truly Pedri Potter.
