Xavi: Pedri is the best midfielder in the world
Carlo Garganese
- 20 Feb 2022 20:00 GMT
- 3 min read
Barcelona manager Xavi hailed his team’s performance after they thrashed Valencia 4-1 on Sunday, singling out teenager star Pedri.
The Blaugrana ran riot at Mestalla thanks to goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (two), Frenkie de Jong and Pedri.
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Xavi showered his young midfielder Pedri with praise after the game, describing him as not only the best youngster in the world but probably the best midfielder.
What did Xavi say?
“There is no bigger talent in the world than Pedri. He's superb. The way he turns, his timing... it’s simply fantastic,” Xavi told the press.
“He's great. Perhaps he's the best player in his position at 19 years old.
“Perhaps he is already the best in the world in his position, it is wonderful to have him on the team. He gives us pause, calm, now he scores goals. He is a brilliant player.”
Xavi was pleased with his team as a whole, although he feels they performed better on Thursday during the 1-1 Europa League draw against Napoli.
FULL TIME!!!! #ValenciaBarça pic.twitter.com/xirClJUlOv
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 20, 2022
“The first half was very good, then we suffered,” he added.
“It wasn’t a brilliant game but we are leaving a difficult field with the three points.
“I think we played better against Napoli than today against Valencia.
“Winning at a stadium like Mestalla, which is always difficult, gives us a lot of confidence, of course.”
Barcelona have strengthened their hold on fourth place following this win and can move three points clear of Atletico Madrid if they win their game in hand.
Their next game is the second leg of their Europa League tie with Napoli in Italy.
