8 - Pedri

[Andresito]

Yea, we need him fresh vs Madrid. I'd sit him out vs Valladolid no doubt. Especially since he's now been called for Spain.

Don't worry, Lucho will rest him.

 

[Bobo32]

Think you are being harsh on Pedri as he brings a lot to the team. In this 3-4-3 system, he's playing more near the base, closer to Busquets rather than playing between the lines as he did before since Griezmann is doing that. This does not allow him to be "flashy" and makes you think he's not doing much. Pedri is amazing at stealing balls from the opponents, keeps things moving in the build up and fills in holes to maintain the shape of the team (for example when Griezmann drops deep, Pedri pushes up that brings his marker with him). It's incredible that he's only 18 years old and he already has a great understanding of the position game.

It's no coincidence that Koeman plays Pedri a lot as he is very versatile and brings a lot of quality. Also another reason why Lucho called him up in the national team.

Here are more buzzwords and gap-filling from what I can tell. Last game he won the ball twice I think (but he also lost it twice iirc). He saw very little of the ball and when he did have it, he mostly played very conservatively.
What I see is him being out of place a lot, he is jogging around pretty aimlessly most of the time. When he gets the ball he can make up for it with great technique and some feeling for combinations most of the time, but he does too little for this position in Barcelona, in a game like the last I fail to see what he offers. I am not saying that he is worthless or a big weakness, but I don't agree with your praise.

 

[Bobo32]

From the Busquets thread:



^^ I should probably make that my sig

I am glad you noticed. You are welcome!
There is an average position plot from the last game in that thread as well, showing Pedri and Griezmann in the same spot once more... (also showing Busquets position from where he was allowed to be alot more flashy, and play a lot better overall, than Pedri, despite being deeper).

These two players, Pedri and Griezmann, are almost cancelling each other out. I much prefer Pedri to Griezmann, and think that he would maybe look a bit better if Griezmann didn't play like that, but I still think this has been a problem. Pedri is too little involved, and does too little with the ball when he finally gets it.

 

[Horatio]

Joan Mir gets asked: "Name three fast players in Barca".

Pedri at one point says "Yo soy muy lento".


WORRYING.

 

[serghei]

Well... at least he's honest.

 

[fergus90]

He doesn’t strike me as slow, but I have noticed he doesn’t have much acceleration of pace. Still tracks back exceptionally well though when needed.

 

[Horatio]

I remember posts arguing how pace can also develop going into adolescence. Think this was brought up in the Ansu thread.

 

[Porque]

Predicted lineup according to Sport.

 

[Vilarrubi]

Predicted lineup according to Sport.

Wowzers. Starting spot at 18.... definitely deserved!

 

[Porque]

Wowzers. Starting spot at 18.... definitely deserved!

Big Barca presence in that lineup. I imagine some posters would experience fatal orgasmus if Discount Xavi was in Pedri's place.

The big question is why is Fernando Torres upfront though.

 

[Joan]

Big Barca presence in that lineup. I imagine some posters would experience fatal orgasmus if Discount Xavi was in Pedri's place.

The big question is why is Fernando Torres upfront though.

I might be out of the loop but.. who is Discount Xavi? Does it start with P? Or A?

 

[CatalinR10]

Predicted lineup according to Sport.

Wow respect to Ferrnando Torres to making a comeback into the spanish NT.

 

[Andresito]

Greek feast tonight.

We move.

 

[Messigician]

Greek feast tonight.

We move.

Good decision, a Mediterranean diet is best for the healthy development of young athletes.

 

[Porque]

I might be out of the loop but.. who is Discount Xavi? Does it start with P? Or A?