Pedri talks Lamine, Iniesta, injuries, Dortmund, Ballon d’Or – ‘I prefer to win…’ | OneFootball

It is hard to pinpoint particular players responsible for Barcelona’s success this season, especially with individuals stepping up across the park to deliver results.

Pedri, however, is one player who has certainly been at the centre of Barcelona’s success for the team’s buildup only flows through his magical feet.

Pedri’s talent has never been in question but injuries halted his progress and limited his participation until recent seasons. This term, however, he has well and truly turned around his situation.

Pedri on getting rid of injuries

Speaking to the media, the Barcelona midfielder commented on his season so far, the comeback from a difficult injury-riddled period, and the games to come.

Pedri began by revealing the secret behind how he came out of the vicious cycle of injuries that plagued him until the beginning of this season.

“I trained, I changed my diet, I started many things. I changed the way I train. I did my best, but it didn’t work,” noted the Spaniard.

“Now everything works. No one knows the real reason. I changed some things, but I can’t say that’s exactly what helped me. Maybe my body just evolved,” he added.

Injuries no longer a problem. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

The 22-year-old then acknowledged how it was not easy being on the end of recurrent injuries and how he stayed composed and strong through the difficult phase, saying:

“When I was injured, I went through very difficult times. Mentally, I wasn’t at my best. Each injury hurts more than the last. When you have many injuries, it is natural to think about what needs to be changed.”

“I have never needed counseling or psychological therapy,” he added.

On his role at Barcelona, potential Ballon d’Or

Pedri then went on to speak about his role in the current Barcelona setup and how he is playing in a position deeper than what he is usually accustomed to.

“It’s the most comfortable position I’ve ever felt in my short career. Sometimes it seems like a long time, but it’s not. It’s a position in which I touch the ball a lot. I’m also an activist; I try to help,” he remarked.

“I’ve always liked working as a team and running a lot. This is fundamental,” he added when quizzed about the added defensive burden on his shoulders.

The Canary Islander was then asked to open up on his beginnings at Barcelona and how he felt when he joined the club for the first time.

“I was already surprised when I went from the Las Palmas subsidiary to the first team. Imagine when you got here. There were Leo, Busquets, Pique… When I started to meet them personally, I got scared.”

Pedri’s talent and quality have already made him a loved figure in Catalonia and comparisons with club legends have been flowing for a long time. He has largely been likened to Andres Iniesta and the player spoke on the comparisons.

“There are always comparisons. We play in a similar position, we have the No. 8 shirt. I’ve seen many of his videos, and it’s very difficult to do what Andres did.”

The young midfielder also spoke on his performances this season and how he was operating at an absurdly high level with serious consistency, saying:

“It’s great to make a dribble or a special shot. But we need to be more practical. Many people ask me if I think about dribbling or if I practice it, but I don’t.”

Barcelona’s heartbeat. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

“I haven’t seen any video to imitate dribbling. It’s just a feeling, there’s no explanation. When you’re in the field, your head works by itself. There’s no time to think,” he added.

Barcelona’s next take on Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League, and the young star spoke on how the game was a difficult one despite Barcelona being slight favourites.

“They are a very good team, we will try to beat them again. We are at a good level, and in their league, they are not at their best, but in the Champions League nothing is predictable.”

Towards the end of his interview, Pedri was asked about the Ballon d’Or and whether he dreamt of winning it someday, now that a midfielder – Rodri – had managed to win it in 2024.

“Andres, Xavi, and Busquets deserved it and did not win it. It was time to give a midfielder (Rodri) a prize. I hope this will be useful in the coming years,” he said.

“To any player in the world, if you ask him about the Ballon d’Or, he will say yes. But I prefer to win team titles rather than individual prizes,” he added.

Pedri concluded his interview by showering praise on Lamine Yamal and likening his growth to that of a club legend.

“The feeling is similar to the one we had with Leo: knowing that something good could happen to us.”

Source: SPORT