Pedri chooses his all-time Barcelona starting XI, includes five teammates

Since his arrival at Barcelona, Pedri has been one of the best midfielders in the world, pulling strings from the centre of the park in multiple different roles. The Spaniard has also developed as a clutch player, scoring multiple winning goals last season.

Currently out with an injury, Pedri spoke to ESPN to create his ‘Ultimate Barcelona XI’, and included five players he has played with across the last three years at the club.

Defence

In goal, Pedri went with Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who has been at Barcelona since 2014. The German enjoyed an incredible 2022/23 season, where he was one of the best goalkeepers in Europe, if not the best.

Legendary captain Carles Puyol was Pedri’s pick at right-back. While that was not the Spaniard’s first-choice position, he started his Barcelona career there and played there multiple times over his tenure.

Pedri went with a CB partnership of Gerard Pique and Rafa Marquez in central defence, and Jordi Alba was chosen at left-back to round off the back-four.

Midfield

“The midfield is obvious,” Pedri said before having his pick. Predictably, he went with the legendary trio of Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Sergio Busquets.

The Golden Boy winner played with Busquets for three seasons, is coached by Xavi now, and has forever considered Iniesta as his idol.

Attack

Lionel Messi was Pedri’s first pick for the front-three. The duo shared an incredible season together, forming a formidable connection on the pitch. The Argentine is also unquestionably the greatest player in Barcelona’s history.

Special duo. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

Ronaldinho was the next pick, at left wing, and Luis Suarez rounded off the team upfront as one of the highest scorers in club history.

The Uruguayan left for Atletico Madrid the season Pedri joined and never got to share the green with him, but is inarguably one of best strikers to have graced the game.

Pedri’s Ultimate Barça XI:

Ronaldinho · Suarez · Messi
Iniesta…

Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/pedri-chooses-his-all-time-barcelona-starting-xi-includes-five-teammates/

Author : Udhav Arora

Publish date : 2023-09-17 11:51:29

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