Iniesta highly praises the outstanding 'successor' at Barca

Iniesta holds Pedri in great esteem, considering the 24-year-old midfielder as a complete player who plays a crucial role in Barca's midfield.

Andres Iniesta continues to shower special praise on Pedri, regarded as the “successor” in Barcelona’s midfield. The Camp Nou legend emphasizes the young midfielder’s ability to control the game’s tempo, clean ball handling, and significant influence in build-up plays. According to Iniesta, Pedri not only controls the game but also knows how to make a difference at the right moments.

“Pedri is very confident on the ball, always involved in every passing sequence,” Iniesta shared. “He can orchestrate the play but is also sharp enough to create breakthroughs. He is a well-rounded midfielder with very special qualities and still plenty of room to improve.” This comment reflects Iniesta’s strong belief in his young teammate’s potential.

This season, Pedri remains a vital link in Hansi Flick’s system. His ability to evade pressing, pivot between lines, and smart positioning helps Barca maintain attacking rhythm. His stats of 2 goals and 8 assists in 25 appearances highlight his role more as a “playmaker” than a pure scorer.

However, Barca is currently missing Pedri due to a hamstring injury. His absence somewhat affects the team’s control in midfield and the pace of their build-up. The coaching staff prioritizes a cautious recovery plan to avoid recurrence given the tight schedule ahead.

He is expected to return by the end of the month, just as Barca enters a critical phase of the season. The return of the 24-year-old midfielder promises to boost the team’s creativity and balance between control and breakthrough. The hope is that Pedri will quickly regain his rhythm to become a key figure in the title race.