Reported Liverpool target Pedri is a ‘special talent’ who resembled the second coming of Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta since the age of just nine, his former coach Ruben Delgado told Tuttomercatoweb.
If Luis Enrique’s Spain upset the applecart and defeat tournament favourites Italy in the Euro 2020 semi-finals tonight, you can guarantee that their 18-year-old inspiration will be at the heart of absolutely everything; every flowing move, every chance created, every prolonged spell of possession.
A teenager who combines the elegance of Iniesta with the efficiency of Xavi, Barcelona’s teen sensation plays the game with the confidence and composure of a 100-capped veteran.
As Pedri scythes through the midfield with one of those trademark bursts before carving apart a defence like a plump Christmas turkey, it is easy to forget that arguably the game’s next-best play-maker won’t even turn 19 until November.
“I met Pedri when he was just 9 years old. And I tell you that, even at that time, he was emulating the plays of a certain Andres Iniesta on the pitch,” Delgado said of a player who formed a thrilling understanding with Lionel Messi during a brilliant debut season at Barcelona.
“His maturity… Talent alone is not enough. Well, Pedri has always had both: feet and brains. As soon as I saw him, I realised that Pedri had something special.
“Pedri has always had an edge over the others. As a child he did not try to do nutmegs or rabonas, but only to make the right decision at the right time. He has a way of seeing football, a gift that only grown-ups have.”
Would Barcelona really sell Pedri to Liverpool?
It speaks volumes about Pedri’s immediate impact at the Camp Nou that, while a cash-strapped Barcelona are encouraging offers for almost every single member of Ronald Koeman’s squad, the La Liga giants never considered cashing in on their teen sensation for a second.
The Mirror reported in April that Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool had registered their interest with Pedri’s agent.
And Barca will respond, not by listening to Liverpool’s offer, but by tying the nine-capped La Roja international down to a new contract; one that will see his £70 million release clause soar to £350 million.
“After what he did in his first season with Barcelona, and also considering his performances he has at Euro 2020, I would say yes (he is the best young player in the world). I say the best ever, at least one of the three best in the world,” Delgado added.
“He deserves to win the Golden Boy award, there is no doubt about that.”
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