Pedri in the rhythm

Pedri is one of the standout players of 2024/25. Not that we should be surprised. When the ball lands at the Canary Islander's feet, security and composure are assured, and the right decision is almost always made. And his uncanny knack of reading each situation to perfection is being displayed with remarkable consistency this season. He hardly ever makes mistakes!

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The 90 minutes he played in the 4-1 defeat of Sevilla (in which he provided a lovely assist for Fermin) mean he has already clocked up 35 games this season, already more than the 34 he featured in the year before. Injuries have been a constant concern in Pedri's development, so it is wonderful to now see him able to get the regularity he and Culers worldwide have craved.

In fact, he has only missed one full game all season, when a bout of gastroenteritis meant he had to sit out the big win over Valencia in the league.

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His assist against Sevilla was his sixth of the campaign so far, meaning he has already matched his season best of 2020/21, achieved across 52 games. And he has made more passes in the opposition0s half (815) than any other player in La Liga. No wonder he is an automatic choice under Hansi Flick, with his ability to govern the pace of the game, hold the ball up when needed, and deliver the killer pass at the precise moment.

But it's not just what he does with the ball but also how he gets it in the first place. He was won back 196 balls this season, placing him fourth in all five of Europe's big five leagues. He is only surpassed in this category by Bruno Fernandes and Dalot (Manchester United, 197) and Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich, 198).

There's no doubt about it. Barça have an authentic jewel in Pedri.