Thiago waxes lyrical over Barcelona midfielder Pedri: ‘Same feeling I had with Iniesta’ | OneFootball

Barcelona are blessed to have one of the most talented squads in the world, with many of their best players yet to enter their prime years as footballers.

In attack, they have Lamine Yamal, who is considered one of the best right-wingers in world football. In defence, they have Pau Cubarsi, who is slowly entering that conversation, if he is not already there.

In midfield, they have Pedri. The Spanish midfield star has made the position his own, with performances that defy logic.

The Canary Islander’s performances have seen him receive appreciation from the greats of the game, and the latest one to join the hype train is Thiago Alcantara.

The best in the world

Speaking with Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand on his podcast Rio Ferdinand Presents, Thiago was asked to build a three-man midfield of current players. And his first name was Pedri.

Best in the world, reckons Thiago. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

“Pedri – best midfield player for me in the world right now,” started Thiago.

Waxing lyrical over the Spanish international, Thiago added: “When I was a player and played with him and when I was a coach now, I had the same feeling that I had with Iniesta at that time.

“Of this plasticity while playing, like moving all the time in diagonal, and while you’re moving, you see what’s happening around you and taking the right decisions.”

The praise for the Barça man cannot get much better. Thiago is one of the best midfield exponents of the modern generation.

He has seen Pedri at close quarters during his time with Hansi Flick’s coaching staff last season.

Pedri continues to grow in stature

Starting to come into his own at the World Cup. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Pedri’s recent performances for Spain at the World Cup have become so routine that they do not feel spectacular anymore.

The best feeling for a player, especially in a midfield like La Roja’s, is when he does not seem to break a sweat doing what he does.

Pedri has reached that flow state. He and Rodri are paramount to how well Luis de la Fuente’s side fare in this tournament.

Barcelona fans are extremely lucky to have the Spaniard in their ranks, and the hope is that they get to enjoy him for seasons to come.