Barcelona as soon as once more displayed their attacking prowess in opposition to Borussia Dortmund, beating them 4-0 within the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final. Raphinha, Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski had been amongst the headlines, however as soon as once more Pedri confirmed simply how good he will be.
It was highlighted by Cadena Cope that he’s the participant who wins the ball again greater than some other in La Liga, and has extra ball recoveries than anybody else within the high 5 leagues together with the Champions League statistics. Accidents properly and really behind him, Pedri can be protecting a mean of 11.5km per recreation in Europe, one of many highest averages round, and about 6km greater than any of his teammates, the closest being Jules Kounde.
That defensive facet of his recreation has been one of many arguments for Pedri as probably the most full midfielders on this planet presently. FBRef statistics state that Pedri is eighth in La iga for blocks. On the ball, he’s much more spectacular. He has the second most profitable passes within the opposition half in Europe, and stands out much more in Spain.
Frenkie de Jong was spectacular final night time. The Dutchman made 4 tackles, received 4 out of 5 duels, recovered possession six occasions, and misplaced the ball solely thrice. He accomplished 69 passes with a exceptional 97% accuracy, contributed 14 passes into the ultimate third, and…
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) April 10, 2025
He’s high for progressive passes (third in Europe’s high 5 leagues), high for passes into the ultimate third (sixth in Europe), third for touches, third for via balls (ninth in Europe), third for passes into the penalty space, fourth for key passes, fourth for shot-creating actions, sixth for anticipated assists per recreation and seventh for progressive carrying distance.
Pedri has missed only one match this season, an indication not solely of his improved health, but additionally of his significance to Hansi Flick’s facet. In a latest interview, he defined that he had modified his health programme, and not lifts any weights as a part of it. Flick has on a number of events referred to him as the perfect on this planet for his place, and lately heard his title ring out on the Metropolitano in opposition to Atletico Madrid.