Barcelona has a young talent who's starting to shine on his own during preseason. It's not Pedri, although his name is starting to gain momentum among fans and experts. Pedro Fernández Sarmiento, a Galician attacking midfielder, has broken into the first team with characteristics that remind many of the legendary Andrés Iniesta.
A young man with a lot of history
Pedro Fernández, known as Dro, isn't a stranger in the world of youth soccer. He spent almost ten years training at Escuela Val Miñor in Nigrán, and his career has been marked by perseverance and passion since he was a child.
Dro started playing soccer at four years old, according to Javi Roxo, a coach at the school. Curiously, he cried ten minutes after arriving at the gymnasium.
Despite that timid start, Pedro didn't take long to show that his talent went beyond those initial tears. His development in Val Miñor's academy was steady, and today he's the second youngest player among the 35 Hansi Flick has drafted for the preseason with the blaugrana.
He's not just a Pedri 2.0
It's inevitable to compare the young attacking midfielder to Pedri. However, those who know him say he's different. His natural position is as an interior midfielder, where he displays his full technical arsenal and vision of the game.
"Some compare him to Pedri, but I see more of Andrés Iniesta in him," says Javi Roxo, with admiration. That comparison isn't accidental: Iniesta had a unique elegance, broke lines with his touch, and had great tactical awareness.
Pedro seems to embody that same philosophy, though with his own style. His way of moving, his intelligence to find spaces, and his patience to build plays are reminiscent of the Manchego icon. Those "details" Roxo mentions make the difference and are making the blaugrana fans start to get excited about this new talent.
Val Miñor's academy, a breeding ground for talent
The school where Pedro trained has a growing reputation in Galicia and Spanish soccer.
Besides Dro, Thiago, Raphinha, Rodrigo, and Comesaña also came from there, showing their quality. The work of coaches like Javi Roxo and Pérez is key for young players like Pedro to develop their technical and mental qualities, paving the way toward professional soccer.
What can we expect from Pedro Fernández?
The road ahead is promising. At just 19, Pedro is already leaving his mark on the first team and has the chance to show he's not just a prospect, but a reality in the making.
The comparison with Iniesta is a big challenge, but if he continues with humility and effort, he can be key for Barça in the coming years. In addition, having such a partner alongside Pedri offers a future full of magic and possession-based soccer for the Culé fans. Without a doubt, it's a story worth following.