La Liga legend hails Barcelona star as the ‘best midfielder’, weighs in on Lamine-Messi comparisons | OneFootball

Speaking in an interview with Winwin (h/t AS), Real Oviedo captain and La Liga legend Santi Cazorla revealed the details of a conversation he had with Barcelona midfielder Pedri.

One of the most iconic modern-day midfielders from Spain, Cazorla was seen holding a warm conversation with Pedri last month when his Real Oviedo side hosted Barcelona in La Liga.

Now, the former Arsenal and Villarreal midfielder has divulged the details of the chat between himself and the Barcelona maestro.

“I spoke with Pedri about football and told him he was the best midfielder at the moment and that he had to keep making us enjoy for a long time. He’s a phenomenal person, too,” stated Cazorla.

Cazorla spoke highly of Pedri. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

During the interview, the Real Oviedo captain also weighed in on Pedri’s Barcelona and Spain teammate Lamine Yamal being constantly compared to the GOAT Lionel Messi.

The former Spanish international stated that the 18-year-old La Masia wonderkid needs to be left alone in peace so that he can write his own story in football, rather than being weighed down by constant comparisons.

“Comparisons with Messi and Cristiano are not good for anyone. Lamine must write his own story and be left in peace to enjoy his youth,” said Cazorla.

Barcelona came back from behind to beat Cazorla’s Oviedo 3-1 in La Liga last month, with goals from Eric Garcia, Robert Lewandowski, and Ronald Araujo.

Pedri had shone brilliantly in Barcelona’s midfield during that game, while Lamine was absent due to pubic discomfort.

The two teams will square off in the reverse fixture in La Liga in January 2026.