When thinking of Andrés Iniesta, we remember those magical moments with the ball glued to his feet. His time at FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team left an indelible mark on all soccer fans.
Every pass, dribble, and his ability to decide in key moments made him one of the best midfielders in history.
Soccer has changed, but Iniesta's qualities remain in Pedri, who shines at Barça and the national team. The young Canarian talent has become an essential piece in Barça's midfield, and comparisons between the two have not been long in coming.
The Talent That Unites Two Generations
Although Iniesta retired from soccer, his influence and legacy remain present in the way several footballers play, including Pedri. In an interview on Cadena Ser, Iniesta didn't hesitate to refer to the similarities he sees between his playing style and Pedri's.
"Pedri? There are things in him that might remind you of me," Iniesta commented. This phrase shows the respect and admiration the former footballer feels for the young midfielder.
Both share a unique vision of the game, control the pace, and stand out for their intelligence, not their physique.
Pedri's Path to Success
For Iniesta, the most important thing is for Pedri to continue evolving as he has so far. The former Barça player highlighted that the essential thing is for the young midfielder to keep improving and showing his talent. "The most important thing is for him to keep improving as he is, for us to keep seeing his talent grow, and for us to enjoy watching him on the field," Iniesta added.
These words are a clear reflection of the humility and forward-thinking vision that Iniesta has always shown, both as a player and now in his role as a soccer analyst. For him, Pedri's development depends not only on his talent but also on his ability to adapt and keep learning with each match.
A Special Connection with the Midfield
Both Iniesta and Pedri have a common characteristic that makes them unique: their ability to manage the game's tempo. Iniesta stood out for his vision and decisive passes, and Pedri has shown that same maturity from a young age.
Although Pedri still has a long way to go in his career, his similarity to Iniesta is evident in his way of playing and making his team flow.