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In an unique interview with TV3, Pedri mirrored on his excellent type forward of Barcelona’s decisive Copa del Rey conflict in opposition to Atletico Madrid.
The 22-year-old midfielder has turn out to be a key determine in Hansi Flick’s system, with the coach just lately praising him as ‘one of the best on the earth in his place.’
Naturally, there have been requires Pedri to win the Ballon d’Or later this yr, ought to Barcelona finish the marketing campaign with trophies.
Nevertheless, in the course of the interview, Pedri insisted that profitable the Ballon d’Or isn’t a precedence for him and that he would like to see his attacking teammates, Lamine Yamal or Raphinha, win the honour.
“The Ballon d’Or is much from my thoughts. Until you’re an exception like Rodri, it’s often gained by gamers with nice objective stats. I’d slightly see Lamine Yamal or Raphinha win it – they’ve the numbers and make a distinction. I’m comfortable if we win titles,” he stated.
Speaking concerning the reward he acquired from Hansi Flick, Pedri said: “It’s nice to obtain recognition, however I attempt to keep centered on bettering. I’m solely 22, and I’ve a number of room to develop. The coach tells me the identical factor in coaching.
“What might I enhance? Quite a bit. I can lose fewer balls, rating extra objectives, resolve higher when to hurry up or decelerate the sport… There’s all the time room for enchancment.”
Having fun with a dream season below Flick. (Photograph by Gualter Fatia/Getty Photographs)
After combating accidents and dealing with criticism about his life-style, Pedri has bounced again in fashion, with damage woes being firmly within the rearview mirror. Reflecting on the matter, he famous:
“I’ve been by way of the whole lot. At first, it was all reward, then got here the criticism, and now the reward is again. I’ve seen either side. Folks stated I used to be fragile, that I acquired injured an excessive amount of….”
Persevering with, he added: “Whenever you’re criticized like that, it pushes you to show folks fallacious. However past that, I simply need to get pleasure from taking part in once more – and now I’m, after a very long time with out that feeling.”
Whereas gamers usually take the highlight, Pedri provides full credit score to Flick for reworking the crew.
“Flick is accountable for the whole lot occurring right here. He’s launched a brand new taking part in fashion, particularly in defence and urgent. He’s imposed his manner of competing, and we’ve embraced it,” he stated.
Pedri’s performances have drawn comparisons to Barcelona legends Xavi and Andres Iniesta, two of his childhood idols.
“It’s wonderful to be in comparison with them. They had been my heroes rising up, together with Busquets. However they outlined an period and gained so many titles. I nonetheless have a protracted option to go to be even a small a part of what they had been,” he said.
Barça are nonetheless in competition for a historic treble, and Pedri is aware of what’s at stake heading into the ultimate section of the season.
“Not profitable a trophy wouldn’t be a disappointment contemplating the journey we’ve had to date. However it might harm,” he remarked.
