Pedri talks Julian Alvarez, Ferran, Real Madrid, Spain World Cup chances : ‘A world-class player’ | OneFootball

Barcelona players are the bulk of Spain’s squad at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, and a major part of Spain’s struggles have thus been directly linked to the Catalan star’s underperformance.

While Lamine Yamal has understandably struggled coming back from an injury, another player who has not lived up to his standards is Pedri Gonzalez.

The Barcelona midfielder, widely regarded as one of the best in the world in his position, has not dominated the event as convincingly as he would like and there was even loud criticism after his particularly poor performance against Portugal.

On his performances at the World Cup

The Barcelona midfielder spoke to SPORT ahead of Spain’s quarterfinal tie against Belgium and opened up on the recent criticism he has faced, admitting that even his performance against Portugal was not up to the mark.

“Yes. I consider myself an important player for the team. It’s true that personally, the last game was not good, but I know I can improve and do much better.”

“The good thing about football is that you immediately have another chance,” he added.

He then admitted that the online criticism did reach him and that he is aware of what is being said about him.

“Yes, they have reached me, but I am aware of what I do. I know when I play well and when I play badly, I don’t need anyone to tell me.”

“I think it wasn’t one of my best games of the season or my career. You have to be self-critical and I am convinced that in the next game I will do better,” he added.

Pedri responds to Spain criticism. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

The player was then asked to introspect on the reason he has not been at his best and was asked if the difference in position he plays for club and country played a part.

“There are always nuances, depending on the coach and teammates. Rodri, for example, is a much more positional player, while with Frenkie de Jong, the midfield is more dynamic. They are two world-class football players and you have to adapt.”

Finally, he spoke out on how Barcelona players are always judged by high standards for the national team.

“We are always criticised for something. Sometimes it seems that Barça players, and also those of other teams when they come to the national team, are not valued enough.”

“We have great players and sometimes we don’t appreciate all the talent here.”

On Spain’s chances

The player was then asked if he still saw Spain as the favourites to win the tournament despite their not-so-great performances.

“Yes. From the beginning, we said that we were coming to win it. They pointed us out as favorites and we had no problem accepting it.”

“We are aware that we are doing very well, but from now on no one is going to give us anything.”

He then highlighted the team’s positives to prove that they have not been as bad as the criticism suggests.

“We have shown it. We haven’t conceded any goals yet and we are a very reliable team. We all work for the team, no one stops running and that makes us a big family. We have to keep it up.”

Pedri confident Spain can win at World Cup. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Speaking on his personal importance for Spain’s chances and his role as a chance creator, Pedri said,

“I always try to give that last pass and leave my teammates in better condition. In a World Cup, it is complicated because the rivals defend very well, but I always try to unbalance.”

Finally, he highlighted Ferran Torres’ game-changing cameo against Portugal that helped Spain win and stay alive in the competition.

“Ferran’s impact was very good. And Mikel has a lot of goals. It is always well placed inside the area and that is a gift that must be taken advantage of.”

On the transfer market

Towards the end of his interview, the player was asked if he liked Julian Alvarez as a player, especially given the links with Barcelona.

“Of course. Who doesn’t like it? He is a world-class player. We’ll see what happens with his future,” Pedri said.

Finally, he was asked if Real Madrid’s spree of signings frightened him, to which he effortlessly said,

“No. After two years without winning, it is normal that they want to strengthen themselves and try to change things.”

“I see it totally logical that they want to strengthen themselves and try to change things.”