Barcelona legend questions Luis de la Fuente’s Pedri decision ahead of World Cup final: ‘It surprises me’ | OneFootball

Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta has admitted he did not expect Pedri to lose his place in Spain’s starting XI during the World Cup, although he insists Luis de la Fuente has earned the right to make difficult selection calls after guiding La Roja to the final.

Speaking on Cadena SER’s El Larguero ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Argentina, Iniesta discussed Spain’s impressive tournament, Pedri’s changing role, Lionel Messi’s influence and the challenge awaiting the 2010 world champions’ successors.

Among all his observations, it was his reaction to Pedri’s absence from the starting line-up against Belgium and France that stood out.

Iniesta surprised to see Pedri dropped by Spain

Pedri has been one of Spain’s most important players over the past few years, making his omission from the starting XI in the quarter-final and semi-final one of Luis de la Fuente’s biggest tactical decisions of the tournament.

Asked about that choice, Iniesta admitted it caught him off guard.

“It surprises me given my understanding of Pedri and the sort of player he is, but ultimately it’s a short tournament. 

“What the manager feels at any given moment, the opponents you’re facing and the standard of your team-mates are all very important,” said the Barcelona icon.

Pedri has not started each of Spain’s last two matches. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

The former Barcelona captain also dismissed suggestions that Pedri performs differently for Spain than he does at club level.

“Obviously he doesn’t play the same way because they’re two different teams. I’ve experienced those comments myself, but ultimately it’s a reality.

“Pedri can play wherever he wants, in whatever position he wants. But the important thing is that the manager has an incredible range of options.”

Iniesta explains how Spain can beat Lionel Messi

Iniesta believes Spain should resist the temptation to focus solely on stopping Messi, arguing that abandoning their own identity would play into Argentina’s hands.

“Spain has to stay true to itself and not get fixated on one player. 

“No matter how much you focus on Leo, if you take your eye off him for a second, he can cause you trouble.

“Spain must stay true to what they’ve done and who they are; if they manage that, despite facing a very tough opponent, they’ll control the match the way they want to,” he said.

Iniesta has backed Pedri despite Luis de la Fuente snub. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

The 2010 World Cup winner also praised the current Spain squad, highlighting the collective quality that has carried them to another final.

“I sit down to watch this team, and I really enjoy watching them. They’re incredibly talented; it’s a very good generation, and it’s no coincidence that they’ve made it to the World Cup final. 

“Everything is achieved through teamwork, although obviously individual players have the power to make a decisive difference.”

Lastly, when asked about Messi, Iniesta had no hesitation in recognising the impact his former Barcelona teammate continues to have.

“Leo is capable of anything; he’s been decisive throughout the World Cup, and his teammates are absolutely committed to him. 

“It’s beyond dispute – what makes the difference is what happens on the pitch, and there, Messi is undisputed,” he concluded.