Spanish national team coach views Barcelona pivot in attacking midfielder role | OneFootball

According to an update shared by SPORT, it has come to light that Spain coach Luis de la Fuente is determined to use Barcelona midfielder Pedri as an advanced playmaker.

While Pedri is a key figure for both Barcelona and the national team, many feel his impact for Spain does not match the influence he has at the Camp Nou.

Many have argued that the issue lies in the position he is assigned. Pedri himself has mentioned that he performs best when he is more involved in the game, especially in a double pivot role where he can touch the ball frequently and help dictate play.

However, in Spain’s setup, he is often positioned further up the pitch, limiting his ability to influence the game from deep.

De la Fuente sees something else

Despite this, Luis de la Fuente believes placing Pedri closer to the striker benefits Spain. “We try to get the most out of the players by prioritising the benefit of the team.

Luis de la Fuente does not want to use Pedri in a double pivot. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

“Pedri is so good that he could play in more positions, but he gives us more options in other positions where we have tremendous footballing potential,” the coach said ahead of Spain’s match against Bulgaria.

This approach means Pedri continues to play just behind the forward, as he did in the European Championship and the Nations League.

Being in this role brings him closer to goal, but it also reduces his ability to control the game in the way he does at Barcelona.

While some critics argue that this positioning limits Pedri’s creative influence, De la Fuente is confident it maximises the team’s attacking options.

For Pedri, adapting to this advanced role is a challenge, yet his versatility ensures he remains central to Spain’s plans.

Despite the differences between club and country, the midfielder’s talent keeps him among the most important players in the squad, even if he isn’t always in his ideal position.