Pedri proves he is Barcelona’s new superstar

Culers isn’t known for going overboard when it comes to praising players, but it’s time to get excited again.

Pedri’s performance against Juventus is one of Barça’s best in recent times.

At 17, playing soccer at that level against that level of opponent is off the scale.

Credit to Ronald Koeman for keeping faith in the young man because we have a real gem in the Canary Islands.

A double drag in their second Champions League game against one of the most storied European teams … are you kidding me ?!

Photo by Tullio Puglia – UEFA / UEFA via Getty Images

He’s playing with such confidence, enthusiasm, and determination that his age hasn’t even entered the conversation as a point of discussion.

Pedri already looks completely at home with the responsibility of being given the ball, and it seems that he instinctively knows the Barça way.

The flashes of brilliance that belie her tender years aren’t everything either.

It was great to see him working hard for the team, coming back when needed, and for all intents and purposes delivering a near perfect midfield performance.

Consider that players like Adrien Rabiot faced him, a much more physical and mature player, and yet Pedri was never intimidated by him or any other opponent.

Juve is certainly a team in transition and Andrea Pirlo will not last long if his start to the season continues in the same way, but that should not detract from the performance of Ronald Koeman’s team.

Photo by Filippo Alfero – Juventus FC / Juventus FC via Getty Images

We scored two, but we could easily have had five or six.

Messi and Dembélé may grab the headlines for being the scorers who secured Barça’s first win against Juve in Turin, but the reality is that Pedri deserves all the glory.

The difficulty for the club now will be making sure Pedri handles the pressure because expectations will rise rapidly where he is concerned. Like Ansu Fati, who has made an equally remarkable impression, fans must also be patient.

There will be many occasions this season in which mistakes will be made (Ansu made a terrible one when he died in this game) and the important thing is that they learn from them, and the culers allow them that learning curve.

After a disappointing El Clásico, this performance, in addition to Bartomeu leaving, has been just the keynote.