Spain came through the last four of Euro 2020 on Friday night and overcame a resilient and hard-fought Switzerland side 3-1 on penalties after seeing a 1-1 draw in normal and extra time.
It was another decent show, with just a little something missing. Not many of Luis Enrique’s players hit top level, but there was one that stood out … again.
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No prices to guess who. Yes, it was 18-year-old Pedri.
Pedri does his thing? # ️ # EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/McHBUCAhF0
– FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 2, 2021
The Barcelona teenager played his 61st match of the season and somehow seemed the liveliest and most energetic player on the pitch. He made a real box-to-box performance and was influential in most of Spain’s exciting and attack-building football.
His natural ability to find space pockets in the resistance half and make darts behind the defense was shown once again, as he did not hold midfielders Denis Zakaria and Remo Freuler for a moment. What makes the kid so happy to see is that he uses his football personality to his maximum potential.
His runs beyond Alvaro Morata were always considered and fit perfectly. When the Juventus man sank deep and pulled Manuel Akanji out of position, Pedri would shoot in from behind to stretch the opposition further, create openings and offer a valuable alternative.
In addition, every first step he took would come with an image he was already thinking of and immediately make his next step a progressive step. Whether it’s slipping past a challenge, turning the ball around the corner quickly and efficiently or spraying it wide to stretch the pitch, he used possession to his full potential against the Swiss – as he has done during this summer’s European Championships.
Pedri fights Xherdan Shaqiri / Anton Vaganov – Pool / Getty Images
A moment that really stands out came in the first half. Receiving the ball with his back to play from Pau Torres, the 18-year-old shaped as if he would take a touch towards his own goal and simply recover the ball to a defender. Instead, he tapped the ball sharply over the halfway line to the left and found Sergio Busquets and quickly stepped up to the field to offer himself as an alternative again – the move took out three Swiss players who applied the press, opened the game completely and put Spain on the front foot.
HIS work with the ball was matched by his desire and perseverance beyond it. In addition to being the driving force of his side and sparking creatively (recording five important passes), Pedri showed his age-challenging maturity to never neglect his defensive responsibilities.
He was always on hand around his own penalty area to put a foot in, snatch back possession for his side and break up the game. During his time on the pitch, the 18-year-old managed five tackles (more than any other Spanish player on the pitch) and two interceptions (only Busquets registered more).
He was everywhere and performed his work impeccably.
Pedri vs Switzerland
119 minutes92 passes 91% passes accuracy 5 important passes 6/6 accurate long balls 5 tackles won 2 interceptions 1 clearing 6/10 won duels
18 years. The Master. Pure joy to watch. ?? pic.twitter.com/n58eE10Js1
– Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) July 2, 2021
However, the same cannot be said of his teammates.
While Spain creates a lot – a bloody mass – of goal opportunities (inspired in large part by our teenage perception), their lack of clinical advantage was obvious to Switzerland. It is true that La Roja had lost ten goals in the previous two matches, but the defense was in most cases very messy. Tough opportunities for begging went against Switzerland, and when they face top European countries such as Italy or England in the later stages of the competition, they will be costly.
Behind Pedri is a back line that simply does not look comfortable. Pau Torres seemed a little tentative in their play as their organization fell to passable whenever he touched the ball – especially in his own defensive third by Breel Embolo as if he were a schoolboy coming towards a professional boxer.
It was getting embarrassing and, if it had been against more clinical resistance, Spain’s night could have turned out differently.
The Swiss goal came from a shocking defensive mishap. Aymeric Laporte bundled the ball in Torres in a situation that so clearly required a Sunday league-like “get rid of!”, Before Freuler cleaned up the pieces and gave Xherdan Shaqiri a push in.
These are mistakes that simply do not pass when it comes to semifinals and finals in major tournaments – and they need to change.
18 years, 6 months, 20 days.
Pedri, member of ??? ?? is the youngest player to represent Spain at a European Championship.
Time to steal the show. ?? pic.twitter.com/kpd3Ryre0T
– 90min (@ 90min_Football) 14 June 2021
Pedri has consistently played at a level that suits a world-class player who is ten years old. His creativity, perseverance, intelligence and versatile brilliance are amazing and sometimes it has really carried Spain.
La Roja have a natural superstar in their ranks, but if they are to really get any of those euros, Pedri’s achievements will have to be matched by those around him.
