Spain coach Luis Enrique sees plenty of room for growth in Barcelona star Pedri, suggesting he “can improve everything”.
Pedri announced himself on the international stage at Euro 2020. He made the most final-third passes (177) before achieving the same tournament-leading feat with the Under-23 squad at the Tokyo Olympics (83).
On Saturday, the midfielder also started in the 2-1 friendly win over Albania, his 11th consecutive appearance under Luis Enrique without losing for Spain, only Jose Gaya (15) boasts a longer such streak.
Former La Roja midfielder Cesc Fabregas heaped praise on the 19-year-old in an interview with Marca
while praising Barca head coach Xavi for trusting Pedri when others may favour a more “combative” player.
Luis Enrique echoed Fabregas’ sentiments at Monday’s pre-match news conference ahead of a friendly with Iceland but claimed the teenager can still develop all areas of his game.
The Spain boss said when asked about Fabregas’ comments:
“Sports players are talented athletes, we do not care about age, or physique.
“If we had that idea, Pedri would not play a single minute, nor would he be in the squad.
“Here what we’re looking for is football talent, it’s very easy.”
He added: “The first time I saw Pedri was when he was playing with Las Palmas, already at that age we saw that he was something special.
“What does he have to improve? Everything. He can improve everything. He can enhance everything with that ability and talent, even his defending.
“You have to let him grow and develop. We have always liked players with that football brain and tactical profile.”
Pedri joined his coach at the news conference and suggested he does not feel the added pressure on him as world football hails his potential.
“I am aware. I take it very calmly, I have to take the weight off myself. The team is more important than a player,” he said.
Pedri and Barca team-mate Gavi have drawn comparisons to Blaugrana greats Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
But he acknowledged it will be difficult to emulate the legendary pair.
“Xavi and Iniesta? Hopefully,” he responded. “It’s very difficult to do what they did. I have a spectacular relationship with [Gavi], I have a special appreciation for him and I think he has very good potential.”
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