Frequently compared to Andrés Iniesta, who did not win his first title until he was 21 years old (La Liga 2004-05 playing up to 37 games), Pedri, the great sensation of the Barça season, dreams of opening a cycle of titles at La Cartuja with only 18 years. The canary, essential for Koeman to the point of having already played 44 official matches and almost 3,000 minutes (2,974 'in particular), aims to start tonight in Seville despite the fact that his legs begin to weigh a bit, logical to a certain point later to play much more than expected in the top elite.
Pedri is the symbol of the new Barça that Koeman has begun to rebuild and that this Saturday he hopes to reap the fruits of a work in which few believed at the beginning of the year. Pedri is an example of the Dutchman's commitment to young people. And it's not the only one. The Canarian hopes to be the leader in the future of a generation that aims for the long haul at Barça and is also led by the now injured Ansu; and in which are Araujo, Mingueza, Riqui or Sergiño Dest himself, also very young. Next season, Èric García, a Manchester City center-back who grew up in La Masia, could also appear.
Molded by Pepe Mel last season in Las Palmas, Koeman is fascinated by the way he understands Pedri's game, full of fundamentals with the ball (his oriented controls are magical), but especially without him. His knowledge of the game is gifted for an 18-year-old boy. The Canarian, who started the season debuting with the U-21 and is already in Luis Enrique's Absolute, has worked in the afternoons in the gym during the course, but has proven to be a tough and tough player. He has not suffered injuries despite playing many minutes.