8 - Pedri

[JamDav1982]

Best thing that happened to him was Flick coming in and giving him more keys to the team deeper and Spain appear to have followed suit.

Was always too much talent wasted high up park waiting for ball as most advanced midfielder under Xavi.

Needs to have the freedom to go get ball from defence etc and be facing the game and not back to goal waiting for ball as was so often in past.

Now if he can do it in CL with some big performances can cement himself as the best going.

 

[TheStig]

Wonder if DLF will be smart enough to play him deeper or he'll still play his as a 10. It could be the difference between winning the WC or not. Pedri is a shadow of himself when played at 10.

 

[JamDav1982]

He played him deeper in last few games and commented on it I believe.

 

[Andresito]

Wonder if DLF will be smart enough to play him deeper or he'll still play his as a 10. It could be the difference between winning the WC or not. Pedri is a shadow of himself when played at 10.

Agree but it depends on the other midfielders. Zubimendi will surely start so it leaves only one spot for Rodri, Merino, Fabian, Olmo and Fermin. If it's Rodri it would mean Pedri most advanced and if it's someone else, Pedri will thrive in the 8 where he can dictate however he wants.

Spain would benefit most from an attacking midfielder to pair with Zubi and Pedri. Merino is probably furthest ahead in DLFs list.

 

[JamDav1982]

Rodri will start ahead of Zubimendi surely if fit.

Rodri when fit is still by far the better player.

Would think if two deep it would be Pedri and Rodri.

DLF likes Merino at AM as can score and be physical target in box as they dont really have a 'proper' 9 and play false.

AM options are also.. Olmo who can score/assist and Baena/Fermin but think he would still go for Merino for his physicaliity and then Olmo.

 

[TheStig]

Agree but it depends on the other midfielders. Zubimendi will surely start so it leaves only one spot for Rodri, Merino, Fabian, Olmo and Fermin. If it's Rodri it would mean Pedri most advanced and if it's someone else, Pedri will thrive in the 8 where he can dictate however he wants.

Spain would benefit most from an attacking midfielder to pair with Zubi and Pedri. Merino is probably furthest ahead in DLFs list.

I get that he has more quality option in the double pivot than in #10 position so it's tempting to put Pedri there with Zubi and Rodri/Fabian behind him but you should always play with your best player in his best position. You move other players to accomodate Pedri, not the other way around.

Maybe 433 would suit them better than this system. Rodri/Zubi as lone pivot with Pedri and Fabian/Merino as CMs. A lot of option, a lot will depend on form also.

 

[Andresito]

Rodri will start ahead of Zubimendi surely if fit.

Rodri when fit is still by far the better player.

Would think if two deep it would be Pedri and Rodri.

DLF likes Merino at AM as can score and be physical target in box as they dont really have a 'proper' 9 and play false.

AM options are also.. Olmo who can score/assist and Baena/Fermin but think he would still go for Merino for his physicaliity and then Olmo.

Rodri barely played for Spain since Euro 2024. DLFs midfield has done well in QFs and NL so question is if he wants to slot Rodri in this close to WC.

Finalissima is nearing and could be Rodri's only chance to prove himself.

Most beneficial for Pedri however is that only one of Zubi/Rodri plays.

 

[Andresito]

I get that he has more quality option in the double pivot than in #10 position so it's tempting to put Pedri there with Zubi and Rodri/Fabian behind him but you should always play with your best player in his best position. You move other players to accomodate Pedri, not the other way around.

Maybe 433 would suit them better than this system. Rodri/Zubi as lone pivot with Pedri and Fabian/Merino as CMs. A lot of option, a lot will depend on form also.

That's how they have played lately, with one CM having more freedom to attack, usually Merino. Best formation imo with Pedri able to move as he pleases.

 

[Messi983]

Rodri will start ahead of Zubimendi surely if fit.

Rodri when fit is still by far the better player.

Would think if two deep it would be Pedri and Rodri.

DLF likes Merino at AM as can score and be physical target in box as they dont really have a 'proper' 9 and play false.

AM options are also.. Olmo who can score/assist and Baena/Fermin but think he would still go for Merino for his physicaliity and then Olmo.

Will Merino be ready for WC?

 

[JamDav1982]

Rodri barely played for Spain since Euro 2024. DLFs midfield has done well in QFs and NL so question is if he wants to slot Rodri in this close to WC.

Finalissima is nearing and could be Rodri's only chance to prove himself.

Most beneficial for Pedri however is that only one of Zubi/Rodri plays.

Would imagine Rodri has enough in bag all he has to do is prove his fitness.

When fit still easily the better player but that is maybe the question DLF has.

Their midfield was ok in Nations league but nothing great. The NL probably had better of them in midfield over the two games in there.

Portugal they had a lot of ball but felt like faded a bit.

They conceded 8 goals in those 3 games also I think and would expect a fit Rodri is a starter.

 

[soul24rage]

A double pivot of Pedri and Rodri and with Merino as the CAM would be dangerous

 

[vegitot]

A double pivot of Pedri and Rodri and with Merino as the CAM would be dangerous

Pedri needs to be freed from double pivot. His play should purely focus on playmaking.

 

[JamDav1982]

Pedri needs to be freed from double pivot. His play should purely focus on playmaking.

That is exactly what he does and go get the ball without waiting for others.

Playing best football of his career.

 

[vegitot]

Best thing that happened to him was Flick coming in and giving him more keys to the team deeper and Spain appear to have followed suit.

Was always too much talent wasted high up park waiting for ball as most advanced midfielder under Xavi.

Needs to have the freedom to go get ball from defence etc and be facing the game and not back to goal waiting for ball as was so often in past.

Now if he can do it in CL with some big performances can cement himself as the best going.

He has way too much defensive duties imo and it kinda limits his talent in some ways.

I still think Pedri is more offensive type midfielder than a pure controller/defensive midfielder. Not same manner as Fermin/Olmo (they are like team's 4th attacker rather than an attacking midfielder).

He did well as an advanced midfielder under Xavi in 22/23 season but got injuries in the second half of the season. Then 23/24 was just coutless injuries again that made it hard for him to stay consistent.

 

[JamDav1982]

Under Xavi he was not as good as now when allowed more freedom to impact the game and get the ball in areas he sees fit to impact it.

He isnt a defensive midfielder. Even the more defensive of the two now isnt as its a role that barely exists.

Teams play the likes of Pedri where are now because it became tougher to wait for ball through others with a single pivot type set up.

For now the idea of a DM and CM then a more attacking player doesnt really exist much it is much more fluid than that.

Maybe things change but absolute last thing Barca need is to restrict Pedri the way Xavi often did.