Paul Scholes and Jack Grealish praised Pedri following Barcelona\'s 2-1 Champions League victory over Newcastle United, with the midfielder controlling the game at St James\' Park on Thursday.
The 22-year-old Spain international dominated possession alongside Frenkie de Jong as Barcelona opened their European campaign. Former Manchester United midfielder Scholes called Pedri his \"new favorite footballer\" on Instagram after the performance.
Marcus Rashford\'s brace grabbed headlines, but Pedri\'s midfield display drew widespread acclaim. Barcelona maintained 63.8% possession with Pedri recording more touches (113) and attempted passes (93) than any other player.
Pedri\'s influence proved decisive during seven minutes of stoppage time after Anthony Gordon\'s goal. The midfielder took control to kill the game and secure Barcelona\'s victory.
\"My new favorite footballer,\" Scholes posted on Instagram alongside a photo of the Spain international.
Grealish, currently on loan at Everton from Manchester City, added his praise on social media stories.
\"Pedri and De Jong are a joy to watch,\" the England international said.
Gordon admitted Barcelona\'s ball retention exceeded anything he had encountered in the Premier League. The Newcastle winger specifically highlighted the midfield combination\'s impact on the match.
\"I think the way they keep the ball was a learning experience,\" Gordon told beIN. \"We don\'t play against that kind of style in England, not at that level anyway.\"
\"I thought they were the best I\'ve played against in that sense of the game. Some of that play in midfield was really top,\" Gordon added.
Pedri has remained injury-free under Hansi Flick\'s management since summer 2024, excelling in a deeper midfield role. The midfielder made 59 appearances last season as Barcelona won LaLiga, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Supercopa.
Via Sam Marsden/ESPN
