Every season brings along with it some unique challenges for FC Barcelona to take on. In this ongoing campaign, especially with the format changes of the UEFA Champions League, it is clear to see some differences in terms of approach. For Barcelona, however, the priority still remains to exceed everywhere.
So far this season, La Blaugrana have not disappointed when it comes to meeting those expectations and objectives. Their most recent fixture was against Borussia Dortmund, who were last season’s finalists in the competition and also one of the strongest sides from Germany, and Barça ended up emerging victorious.
However, it was thanks to a collective performance that the Catalan club managed to get that win. Still, there are players who deserve individual praise and also deserve to be highlighted as well for their rather special contributions during games.
One such player against Dortmund was none other than Spanish midfielder Pedri. Beyond just being his usual composed self, someone who thrives when in possession and knows how to retain it well, the Barcelona star showcased a new side to his skillset as well.
According to AS, the Pedri that was seen against Borussia Dortmund was arguably showcasing his most complete version yet, something that he has showcased rather well this entire season. All in all, he is a reinvented version of himself that has been made possible by Hansi Flick himself.
Statistically, the 22-year-old midfielder made the most ball recoveries out of any player on the field in the game between Dortmund and Barcelona. He made nine of those, and they were significant as well to give the team an edge when it came to control of the game.
Similarly, the player also led the game in terms of tackles won. Moreover, he was at his best when it came to ball progression and passes into the final third. He was only bested by Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi, but that is mainly because both of the two defenders are the ones typically initiating the attacks from behind without as much pressure as someone like Pedri would have on him at all times.
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VITORIA GASTEIZ, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 3: sports director Deco of FC Barcelona during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Deportivo Alaves v FC Barcelona at the Mendizorroza Stadium on February 3, 2024 in Vitoria Gasteiz Spain.
BEIJING, CHINA - JUNE 15: Lionel Messi of Argentina reacts during the international friendly match between Argentina and Australia at Workers Stadium on June 15, 2023 in Beijing, China.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 20: Pedri of FC Barcelona celebrates with teammates Raphinha, Marc Casado and Lamine Yamal after scoring his team's second goal during the La Liga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on October 20, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.
For many people, this current version of Pedri is his best one yet. As per the report, however, another term that could similarly be applied to his improvement is to state that he is much more complete as a footballer now. Possessing the same technical strengths that he had before and combining them with defensive and progressive abilities, the young star has been reborn this season.