Pedri At Peak Of Powers As Barca Visit Benfica

Barcelona take on Benfica on Wednesday in a Champions League last 16 first leg match, with Pedri Gonzalez, who has restored their status as one of Europe’s elite clubs, playing a key role in their revival.

The Canary Islandser’s genius and creativity fuel the team’s engine, and Hansi Flick’s side has been hailed as the most entertaining team in the competition.

Barcelona, the five-time European champion, finished second behind Liverpool, who had scored 17 goals, with Borussia Dortmund coming in second with a 22-goal total.

In a thrilling 5-4 comeback win in January, the Catalans won five of those games in Lisbon while also capturing the title in the last 16.

As Flick’s side stretched their muscles during the group stage, they defeated Bayern Munich 4-1 and beat Dortmund 3-1.

Read more about PSG’s impressive prospects ahead of the Liverpool showdown.

Barcelona have had a great season to date thanks to Pedri’s consistency and quality. They are currently top of La Liga, in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, and are aiming for their first Champions League title since 2015.

Last week, Flick quoted him as saying, “I can’t describe (Pedri, he’s) incredible.”

After a fantastic breakthrough campaign in 2020-21, Pedri started to struggle with injuries and lost 73 games for both club and nation.

An individual plan to improve his fitness was developed last year as a result of a genetics study, which is now being implemented.

More than any of the three previous campaigns, Pedri has already played 39 games for Barcelona this year across all competitions.

Although his five goals and six assists are modest, he hasn’t been particularly strong.

The 22-year-old is achieving his best form of career, producing numerous superb passes every match, displaying his incredible technical prowess, and displaying his incredible energy.

 ‘Infinite’

Pedri suffered a knee sprain in the quarter-finals of last year’s Euro 2024 victory. Prior to that, he had an important role for Spain.

Luis de la Fuente, the coach of the national team, thinks that his potential is limitless.

De la Fuente said, “Pedri had to find himself; we don’t know what his best version is because he is infinite.”

He has continued to advance under Flick, playing a deeper role behind an attacking midfielder, typically Dani Olmo or Gavi, than he has with the national team.

He is more likely to dictate the game and get more of the ball, which Flick requested, which also aids in his development as a team leader.

Despite being defeated by Atletico Madrid with a 2-1 in December, the coach praised Pedri.

Flick praised the way that “the way he played was incredible” and how he guides the rest.

In January, Pedri and the rest of Barcelona signed a new contract until 2030.

The best thing that has ever happened to me for a long time is to prolong this dream, according to Pedri.

“I’ve been enjoying football, which is the thing I like the most,” I said after a long time ago.

Unsurprisingly, Flick was delighted by the news.

“You can’t compare him, he’s an unbelievable player, he enjoys playing football, getting the ball, and seeing what he can do…

I’m delighted that he’s been with the team for a long time because he “gets the ball” when he’s under pressure.

While teenagers like Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski frequently receive praise, Pedri provides the platform for his team-mates to excel.

Eric Garcia scored the winning cross against Benfica to tie the game at 4-4 before Raphinha’s late winner, which the playmaker delivered to cap a strong individual display.

The most urgent issue for the Portuguese side is halting Pedri, which they must solve if they want to advance.

Source: Channels TV