"Pedri struggled with injuries earlier in his career, but the 22-year-old has remained fit and has excelled in a deeper midfield role since Hansi Flick took charge in the summer of 2024. As Barça clocked up 63.8% possession at St James' Park, he had more touches (113) and attempted more passes (93 with a 91.4% completion rate) than any other player on the pitch."
"His influence on the game was especially noticeable in the seven minutes of stoppage time when he took control of the ball and killed the game after Anthony Gordon had pulled a goal back for Newcastle. Gordon felt the way Barça handled the ball, led by Pedri, was the better than anything he has previously encountered in the Premier League."
Barcelona beat Newcastle United 2-1 to open their Champions League campaign, with Marcus Rashford scoring a stunning brace. Pedri excelled in midfield alongside Frenkie de Jong, remaining fit after earlier injury problems and thriving in a deeper role under Hansi Flick. Barcelona registered 63.8% possession at St James' Park. Pedri made the most touches (113) and attempted the most passes (93) with a 91.4% completion rate. Pedri took control during seven minutes of stoppage time to retain possession after Anthony Gordon's goal. Paul Scholes and Jack Grealish publicly praised Pedri's performance.
Read at ESPN.com
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