Former Barcelona youth coach picks the ideal La Masia player to replace Pedri – “Very prepared” | OneFootball

At a time when Barcelona have shown signs of clear weakness in midfield, without the services of a certain Pedri, it has become integral for the club to start thinking about finding the next player who can replace the Spaniard.

However, the truth is that Barcelona have been finding the next Pedri for quite some time now. But due to the sheer quality of the midfielder, the club have not been able to do so.

Former Barcelona coach on Pedri replacement

But in a recent interview with Diario SPORT, former Barcelona youth coach Oscar Jorquera revealed who among the current La Masia stars could be an ideal replacement for Pedri in the years to come.

In response, the Spaniard, who worked as a Barça youth coach for nine years, pointed out two names: Pedro Villar and Guille Fernandez.

“It is very difficult to find a player like Pedri. I really like Pedro Villar and Guille Fernandez as interiors,” he said.

Guille is facing an uncertain future at Barcelona. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

However, Jorquera added that Villar is more suited to the table as Guille, who is facing an uncertain future at Barcelona anyway, is a different kind of player.

“When we signed him from Espanyol, I thought that Guille could occupy that role but he is a player with different characteristics. I see Pedro Villar as very prepared for that,” he added.

A defensive midfielder by trade, Villar is currently plying his trade with Barcelona’s U-19 squad and is yet to make the jump to the reserve side.

However, at just 18, he has shown exceptional talent under Pol Planes and there is no reason why he might not be an ideal fit for Juliano Belletti.

Following the shock of exit of Dro, Barcelona, too, must be mindful about talents such as Villar, who would ideally want to play for the reserve side and at least make a case for being included in the first-team.