Latest news with #Pedri
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dani Olmo in awe of Barcelona midfield maestro – ‘Puts everything on a platter for you'
Dani Olmo in awe of Barcelona midfield maestro – 'Puts everything on a platter for you' Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo reflected on the strong sense of unity within the Spanish national team that triumphed in the European Championship. He also drew comparisons to the camaraderie within Hansi Flick's Barcelona squad, which is determined to secure a historic treble this season. Advertisement He highlighted how the national team functioned as a single unit, with every player sharing a bond both on and off the pitch. 'It happened in the concentration, off the field, because we were a team, there were no groups in the national team. We were one in which we were all friends and we all went together,' he said as quoted by SPORT. Pedri's influence Olmo says playing alongside Pedri is very easy. (Photo by) Olmo particularly praised Pedri for his tactical intelligence and ability to make the game easier for those around him. Playing alongside him is seamless due to his technical skills and vision. The understanding between them on the pitch allows them to anticipate each other's moves naturally. Advertisement 'There is a teammate who understands tactics of the game especially well: 'Pedri. It's very easy to play next to him, in addition to the quality he has, he puts everything on a platter for you.' If one finds himself in a tight spot, the other is always available as an option, ensuring smooth gameplay and fluid movement across the field. 'I always tell him: 'If I have a problem, I'll give it to you'. And he tells me the same thing: 'I turn around and give it to you and you do the rest.' 'So we spend it almost in a loop. We have that feeling, and on the pitch too, so he goes out on his own,' he explained. Advertisement On Lamine Yamal Olmo also praised Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Florencia) When it comes to goal-scoring, Olmo admitted that finding the back of the net is one of the toughest aspects of the game. However, he could not hide his admiration for Lamine Yamal, whose immense talent continues to impress teammates and opponents alike. 'We freak out a lot with him, he is another level, he is unique. But he must continue as he has done so far because he is very young.' Olmo acknowledged his potential but also emphasised the importance of remaining grounded. With the right mindset and continuous hard work, Yamal has a bright future ahead of him. 'From what he has achieved to what awaits him, he has a lot left. He has to keep his feet on the ground and keep working.' On returning to Barcelona Dani Olmo also reflected on his return to Barcelona. (Photo by) For Olmo, playing for Barcelona is more than just a career move—it is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream. When the club's interest became serious, he knew instantly that he wanted to be part of the project. Advertisement 'I remember perfectly, my father called me and told me he was serious. I had already seen that they were interested, in what came out every summer, but I didn't give it importance as in that one, I felt it was different.' While other clubs were also keen on signing him, there was no doubt in his mind that Barcelona was the place for him. Having grown up with a deep connection to the club, he now finds himself in the best phase of his career, relishing every moment of representing the team he has always considered home. 'There were other teams interested, but Barça is my home and it was clear to me. It was my dream to be where I am now. That's why I'm in the best moment of my life,' he added.
The Hindu
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Pedri named winner of the Barcelona Players Award 2025
La Liga club Barcelona has named midfielder Pedri Gonzalez as the winner of the 2025 Barca Players Award. This award, which is determined by the FC Barcelona Players' Association, recognises players who demonstrate the club's values, not only on the surface but also in their off-field activities. Last season, Pedri had six goals and eight assists in 59 appearances for Barcelona and was a vital cog in his side's successful season. ALSO READ | Argentina beats Uruguay 1-0 in Copa America Femenina 2025; Ecuador wins 3-1 vs Peru 'At just 22 years old, Pedri has established himself as one of the benchmarks in the middle of the Barça field thanks to his technical quality, tactical intelligence, and game vision,' a club statement read. FC Barcelona Femeni's Claudia Pina was also named the winner. With this recognition, Pina takes over from Aitana Bonmati, winner of the last four editions of the award. Earlier this year, Barcelona winger Raphinha was honoured with the La Liga Player of the Season after the Brazilian played a major role in his side winning the domestic treble, with club teammate Lamine Yamal named Best Under-23 player. Raphinha contributed 34 goals and 25 assists in 57 club games across all competitions, with Barca winning the league title, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. The 28-year-old signed for Barcelona in 2022 from Leeds United and recently signed a contract extension keeping him at the Spanish club until 2028.
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Barcelona star names teammate as part of his all-time Blaugrana XI
Barcelona youngster Marc Bernal reserved a place in his XI of the greatest players in the club's storied history for a current member of Hansi Flick's midfield ranks. The player in question? Pedri. Midfielder Pedri is for his part of course fresh off something of a bounce-back season in Catalunya's capital. Advertisement At last putting his long-standing injury woes in the rear view mirror, the 22-year-old set about reminding any who may have forgotten of his frankly remarkable abilities. From his berth at the base of new boss Hansi Flick's midfield, Pedri dazzled week in and week out in 2024/25. So impressive was the Spanish international on both sides of the ball, in fact, that many are of the opinion that it was he, and not the likes of Lamine Yamal or Raphinha, who was Barcelona's very best player. And as alluded to above, one individual on whom such excellence was not at all lost is teammate and midfield partner Marc Bernal. Advertisement Speaking during an interview with Barca's official media channels this weekend, youngster Bernal – in the final stretch of his recovery from an ACL injury – was asked to name his all-time Blaugrana XI. And the most headline-grabbing inclusion was that of Pedri, in a line-up as follows: Víctor Valdés, Carles Puyol, Gerard Piqué, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, Pedri González, Neymar Jr, Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi Conor Laird – GSFN
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Barcelona transfer target drops yet another Blaugrana hint
Barcelona transfer target Marcus Rashford has this weekend continued to drop hints regarding his interest in sealing a move to Catalunya's capital. This comes courtesy of the 27-year-old's activity on social media. Advertisement Wide-man Rashford turned heads across the Barcelona fanbase over the last couple of days, in suddenly following two headline members of Hansi Flick's squad on Instagram. As showcased below, the Englishman is now keeping an active eye on the online activity of both Pedri and Robert Lewandowski: As alluded to above, though, Rashford's ongoing flirtation with the Blaugrana has not ended there. This comes with the Manchester United man having dropped another social media hint late on Friday night. After coming across Barcelona's latest post on Instagram, titled '10 amazing goals we scored in the last season', Rashford showcased his support and admiration for the Catalans in responding by way of a simple 'like': Conor Laird – GSFN
Metro
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Szczesny names surprise 'genius' as most impressive player he's ever seen
Over his career with the likes of Arsenal, Juventus and now Barcelona, Wojciech Szczesny has played with some legendary names but thinks one of his current teammates is the most impressive player he has ever seen. The 35-year-old won two FA Cups with the Gunners, three Serie A and three Coppa Italia titles with Juve and has now added a La Liga and Copa del Rey to his CV with Barca. He's played alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba, Mesut Ozil, Robin van Persie, Mo Salah and Francesco Totti on loan at Roma and Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal at Barcelona. The goalkeeper will think highly of many of his teammates but one stands out above the rest. Szczesny has been blown away by the talent of Pedri, saying he has never seen a player have a season like the 22-year-old has just produced. The midfielder made 59 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona and the Pole says he has never been more impressed by a player. 'What Pedri did this season… I've never seen a season like that from any player,' Szczesny told Foot Truck. 'Watching him live, seeing how he controls the game both defensively and offensively… Incredible. 'He's the player who's impressed me the most in my entire life. I don't know what makes up his genius, but he doesn't lose the ball.' The Barcelona goalkeeper reckons Pedri deserves to win the Ballon d'Or as a result of his immense season, adding: 'For me, he was the best in the world.' Szczesny is not the only Barcelona star to recognise the brilliance of Pedri, with Raphinha describing him as the 'heart of the team' earlier this season. 'Pedri doesn't have many assists, he doesn't have a lot of goals… but for me, he's the most important player on our team,' said the Brazilian. 'I think he is the heart of the team.' More Trending Was this sport's greatest comeback? Manager Hansi Flick agreed, saying: 'Raphinha said Pedri is the heart of the team? Yes, exactly. Pedri is fantastic. When he touches the ball, you see real magic. He's getting better, constantly developing himself.' Former Barcelona chief Ramon Planes told Carrusel Deportivo of Pedri: 'From the moment he joined Barca… already in the second training session, Messi himself said, 'Where did we get this kid?' 'There was no doubt that he had to stay. In the first week, I told his agent to forget about going out on loan, that he was definitely going to stay in the Barca first team.' Pedri has attracted praise from outside of his club as well, with former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos describing him as the best in the world in his position. Speaking via Mundo Deportivo, the German said: 'Pedri is generally a player who is greatly missed when he's not on the pitch. He doesn't just score goals or provide assists; he offers solutions. Beating opponents doesn't always have to be with a pass, but Pedri is one of the few midfielders who has the gift of dribbling past opponents in tight spaces. 'He's almost more important than Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, or Lewandowski. They are the ones who decide the outcome of matches, but to make that happen, Pedri is currently the best player in the world in his position, in my opinion.' MORE: Troy Deeney tips 'exceptional' Chelsea star for Barcelona or Real Madrid transfer MORE: Why Chelsea have been fined £78.5m by UEFA for breaching financial rules MORE: Barcelona's stance on signing Marcus Rashford after Nico Williams transfer snub
