With Rodri’s season cut short due to a devastating ACL injury, Pedri can be considered the best midfielder in the world this campaign.
The Barcelona maestro has been well and truly majestic and while he lacks the goals and assists that could propel him amongst the headlines, his importance to Hansi Flick’s side knows no bounds.
Pedri has managed to stay consistently fit, which was the only doubt surrounding the 22-year-old’s career and with him being constantly on the pitch, he has unsurprisingly ran the show in the middle of the park.
Having played alongside elite players like Rodri, who Pedri rates highly and considers the best defensive midfielder in the world has perhaps also helped in his development into becoming an outstanding performer himself.
The European Championship winner was quizzed about his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or, much like the Manchester City technician did last year.
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Pedri doubts he can win the Ballon d’Or unlike the “exception” Rodri
Rodri won the Ballon d’Or in historic fashion by becoming the third player in Spanish history after Alfredo di Stefano and Luis Suarez to lift the award and Pedri could well join his countryman by doing so this year.
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The four-time Premier League winner’s victory was a triumph for midfielders across the history of the game who have put in the hard yards for years without being rewarded with some much-deserved individual recognition.
Andres Iniesta lauded Rodri winning the Ballon d’Or and felt his triumph merited his incredible displays for both Manchester City and Spain.
However, Pedri believes that players who do not contribute with consistent goals and assists are unlikely to win the Ballon d’Or unless they are true outliers like Rodri, telling TV3: “The Ballon d’Or is far from my mind. Unless you’re an exception like Rodri, it’s usually won by players with great goal stats.”
Pedri added: “I’d rather see Lamine Yamal or Raphinha win it, they have the numbers and make a difference. I’m happy if we win titles.”
Pedri this season vs Rodri last season compared
For Pedri to win the Ballon d’Or, he will to have as special a season as Rodri did during the 2023/2024 campaign.
However, that is easier said than done.
Firstly, as Pedri stated, he only has five goals and seven assists in all competitions this season while Rodri, who cost £62.5 million registered nine goals and 14 assists in total during the previous campaign.
STAT COMPARISON RODRI LAST SEASON PEDRI THIS SEASON
STARTS 49 42
GOALS 9 5
ASSISTS 14 7
Furthermore, the decorated midfielder also won the European Championship and took home the Player of the Tournament award while also lifting the Premier League trophy.
Unless Pedri wins both La Liga and the Champions League while also upping his goal contributions, his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or look unlikely.