Numbers show why Barcelona midfield maestro is the most influential player in La Liga | OneFootball

Barcelona’s recent win over Atletico Madrid marked the return of Pedri to the starting XI after a brief injury layoff.

The Spaniard did not only just return to the lineup, though. He, in fact, dominated an Atletico Madrid side that was ready to make things difficult for the Catalans.

Pedri ended the game as one of the top performers for Barcelona, alongside the likes of Raphinha and Dani Olmo.

Pedri: The most important player for Barcelona

As reported by SPORT, it is clear that Pedri is currently the most important player for Barcelona, and the most influential footballer in La Liga, and that is backed properly by facts.

Even with Pedri being injured for a brief period, the Spaniard has registered the most touches in La Liga at 1,178, marginally ahead of Real Madrid’s Alvaro Carreras at 1,174.

Pedri showed why he is such a valued player for Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

In terms of passes, Pedri has attempted the most passes in La Liga at 987, out of which 903 were successful.

This is quite impressive considering the fact that Pedri is a midfielder who can make passes in between the lines rather than just circulating possession with back passes.

This is backed up by statistics too, with the Spaniard making the most number of passes in the opposition half than anyone else in La Liga. He has made 734 passes in the opponent’s half, with 668 of them being successful.

Second-placed Carreras is far behind with just 585 passes. Between the two of them, it was Pedri who was sidelined for a period due to injury.

The report goes on to suggest that while Kylian Mbappe may lead the scoreboards, with the likes of Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski chasing. But in terms of overall play, it is Pedri who is perhaps the best in the business.