It’s a tough question to replace the triangle Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Sergio Busquets, and in fact, Spanish football has learned the ugly truth the hard way.
As it happens, Iniesta and Xavi were without a doubt two of the best players of their generation, and stars of that quality are as rare as gold dust in the modern game. But after a miserable World Cup campaign in 2014, a disappointing Euro 2016 and a chaotic World Cup 2018, there is finally a glimmer of hope on the horizon.
The rainbow at the end of a miserable increase in heavy rain is Pedri. The 18-year-old has burst onto the stage for Barcelona this season and hits Ronald Koeman’s midfield with frightening ease.
Pedri has so far played 68 passes in the final third on # EURO2020, more than any other midfielder.
Plays far beyond his years. ?? pic.twitter.com/AN3AZtLOO8
– Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) June 19, 2021
In fact, his performances have diverted attention from other underkids’ Ansu Fati, who has suffered from rotten happiness with injuries over the past year. But few had expected Pedri to grow into such an influential person in Spain, nor that he would become a regular start in the national team midfield.
But Luis Enrique has put his faith in the teenager, who he believes can kick la Furia Roja to European glory this summer. It must be said, based on the evidence we have witnessed so far, Spain will not take football home in July.
They were unimaginative in the goalless draw with Sweden in their initial fixture, and just as convincing in a 1-1 draw with Poland on Saturday. These unsatisfactory results have left the qualifiers for the next round hanging in the balance, with question marks hovering over the majority of the starting lineup, as well as their coaches.
But no one can point the finger at Pedri for their failures. He was impressive once again in the Spanish midfield and showed infinite calm and an ability to select killer passes in the last third of the pitch – just what has been missing in the country’s games so far.
? | Pedri vs Poland
91 Touch 73 Exact Passes (92%) 1 Key Pass1 Chance Created 6 Long Balls 3 Duels Won 3 Resets pic.twitter.com/tvTSW65P5Q
– Barca Stats (@BarcaStats__) June 19, 2021
Pedri’s vision is a beauty. He almost put a delicious “pre-assist” halfway through the first half, cut a fantastic ball over Poland’s defense in the way of the explosive Jordi Alba, who took it down and whipped a post to Gerard Moreno.
Unfortunately, the finish was missing. His influence and energy in midfield did not go unnoticed by Enrique, who chose to replace Atletico Madrid’s talisman Koke before Pedri. It was clear to see why too.
The Barça star never stopped running, and even when Moreno had missed from the penalty spot and Morata had rejected another great opportunity, he did not let his head drop. It was even an approximately 10 second period when Poland liked to win the win and broke in a two on three situation in injuries.
The Spanish defense backed away and waited to be rescued. Sure enough, a flexible frame darted back, stuck out a leg, fired the Polish star and laid the ball for Spain to move up on the field again.
Shattered / David Ramos / Getty Images
Of course it was Pedri. He looked completely exhausted at the end of the match, after giving everything for the shirt. In the end, it was not enough. But he will be able to see himself in the mirror and admit that he did everything he could to claim three points against Poland, as la Furia Roja’s hopes go to the thread.
One thing is for sure though. If Enrique feels the need to make the changes, Pedris’ place in the starting line-up is secure.
