Ferran Torres admits Barcelona depend heavily on 23-year-old midfielder: ‘We miss him when he’s not there’ | OneFootball

There are talented midfielders, and then there are players who completely transform a team’s rhythm. For Barcelona, that player is Pedri. 

The 23-year-old midfielder has shown why he is central to Hansi Flick’s project whenever he steps onto the pitch.

His recent return from injury could not have come at a better time, as Barça had clearly missed his calm presence in midfield during his absence. 

Pedri’s influence goes beyond statistics. Although he has featured in 17 matches this season, his real value lies in how the team functions around him. 

In that regard, Ferran Torres openly admitted how much he matters to the squad. Speaking during the duo’s appearance on El Hormiguero (h/t SPORT), he said,

“We miss him when he’s not there. He gives us a lot. It shows when he’s not there. We don’t have to depend so much on Pedri,” he praised.

A great friendship

Pedri and Ferran are very good friends. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

That statement captures the reality inside the dressing room, as Pedri elevates those around him, but Barcelona also recognise the need to share responsibility.

Off the pitch, the connection between the players is just as strong. Ferran revealed a personal detail about their routine, saying, 

“I’ve got Pedri into intermittent fasting. He doesn’t eat breakfast and feels more energetic. I usually have dinner around 7:30/8:00 p.m., and then don’t eat again until 2:00 p.m. the next day,” he added.

The connection between the two Spaniards is very special. Beyond their chemistry on the field, they are great friends too.

“We call Ferran vinegar. The bad jokes are made by Ferran,” Pedri joked. “I always wait for him and take him to training, with coffee in hand. 

“Later, in training, as he has more strength than me, I move as if I were a little doll,” he added.