Pedri: A bright future for Spain

Eighteen year-old Pedri had a Euro Cup to remember.

Despite the unfortunate exit in the semifinals, the Barcelona midfielder had a sensational summer that could easily see him take home the Young Player of the Tournament award. He hardly put a foot wrong in Spain’s run which ultimately saw them bow out to Italy on penalties.

Pedri gave everyone feelings of those great midfielders we’ve grown accustomed to seeing in a Spain jersey. He rarely misplaced a pass and ran all over the pitch while playing virtually every minute of Spain’s six matches.

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Spain manager Luis Enrique raved about Pedri’s Euro Cup performance after the defeat to Italy.

"“Has anyone noticed what an 18-year-old boy named Pedri has done in the Euros? Not even don Andres Iniesta has done it. What Pedri has done in these Euros I have never seen with an 18-year-old, not from anyone in the Euros, World Cups, Olympic games, it’s something away from all logic.”Source: Football Espana"

Pedri’s boss is right.

It’s hard to remember seeing a young player being so dominant and smart with the ball. It felt as if the only times he was dispossessed it was because an opponent had fouled him.

He played an out-of-this-world semifinal match where he completed every pass in the regulation 90 minutes and finished extra time with only two missed passes to make it 65/67 completed passes in the match.

Pedri’s Euro campaign as a whole saw him complete 92% of his passes, draw 13 fouls and create several quality chances.

The young midfield maestro performed this well on a set of heavily used legs. Pedri has played in over 60 games this season and his season is not finished yet.

Pedri will travel to Tokyo to play with the under-24 Spain team in the Olympics. The likes of Dani Olmo, Unai Simón, Mikel Oyarzabal and Eric Garcia are amongst the other Euro 2020 teammates expected to play in the Tokyo Olympics as well.

Pedri will look to join the ranks of footballing greats like Lionel Messi and Neymar as he tries to take home the gold at the Olympics. Spain’s group is made up of Egypt, Australia and Argentina. Spain opens the tournament against Egypt on July 22.