TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Barcelona coach, Xavi Hernandez, praised Pedri after his team had a four-goal party at Camp Nou when they hosted Athletic Bilbao in Week 26 of the Spanish League, Monday morning WIB, 28 February 2022.
Barca won thanks to goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and three substitutes, Ousmane Dembele, Luuk de Jong and Memphis Depay.
Pedri was plagued by injury after the summer after spending much of his time with the Spanish national team in 2021. However, his best form has returned since the start of 2022, with his stunning midfield tricks.
Pedri’s appearance reminded Xavi of his former Barcelona team-mate, Andres Iniesta.
Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta waves his hand after officially resigning from the club he has played for for 22 years, at Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain, May 20, 2018. REUTERS/Albert Gea
“Apart from dribbling past the opponent through the gap between the opponent’s legs, how does he understand the game, walking between the lines and walking behind the midfield pivots,” the Barcelona boss said as reported. MARCA.
“He reminds me a lot of Andres Iniesta,” he said.
“If we talk about pure talent, Pedri is the best in the world,” he added.
“He is an extraordinary player. I have never seen so much talent as him.”
On that occasion, Xavi also answered questions from the media about the future of French winger Ousmane Dembele. The former Borussia Dortmund man scored his first goal of the season and provided assists for de Jong and Depay in that game.
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez. REUTERS/Albert Gea
“It doesn’t matter to me if he stays. He works really hard and that’s why I defended him.”
“He’s able to do what he did tonight. I saw a lot of options where to play him. He can play on the left, the right and score goals and provide key passes.”
This victory moves Barcelona up to fourth place in the La Liga standings with 45 points from 25 matches, with a goal difference advantage over Atletico Madrid who are below them. Xavi Hernandez’s side are now just 15 points off leaders Real Madrid.
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Also Read: Week 26 Spanish League Standings: Barcelona, Sevilla, Villarreal Win