Pedri #20

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Pedri may have an axe to grind at the World Cup after missing out on the latter stages of Spain’s run to win Euro 2024 after his injury in the quarter-final against Germany. Luis de la Fuente used to think the Tenerife native was best as a No 10 but Hansi Flick has moved him into a deeper position at Barcelona, where the 23-year-old has just won his third league title. “It’s the position I’ve felt most comfortable in throughout my short career. I touch the ball a lot there,” Pedri has said of his deep-lying role. And De la Fuente has taken note, playing Pedri closer to Rodri or Martín Zubimendi. Fabián Ruiz is the main competitor for a place in the side and Pedri might just have the edge.

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