Barcelona midfielder Pedri, according to Xavi, is the finest in the world at his position already.
During Spain’s 4-1 triumph over Valencia on Sunday, the Spain international came on as a substitute and scored a fantastic goal, he thought so at least. As a result of a minor deflection, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would be given the goal.
This did not stop his manager lavishing Pedri with praise at full time, though: “there is no player in the world with as much talent as Pedri – and he is only 19”, he said.
“He is absolutely superlative. How he turns, his understanding of space and time, and the fact he uses both feet. It is amazing to have him in the team and we must take care of him.
“He came on for half an hour and was important. He makes the difference: in how we play, in the box… he wins balls back. We demanded he shoot more and now he has three goals [since coming back from injury].
“Look, he’s not a normal player. There are very few like him. Perhaps, at his age, he is already the best in the world in his position.”
Pedri has returned to the first team recently, and he is expected to start Thursday’s Europa League match against Napoli. After a tense 1-1 draw in the first leg, this is a must-win game for La Blaugrana.