Paul Scholes ylistää Pedriä Barcelonan uusi keskikentän tähti hurmasi United legendan Mestarien liigassa
Paul Scholes doesn’t give out compliments easily. The Manchester United legend, well-known for his blunt punditry, rarely gushes about modern players. Yet on Thursday night, he couldn’t hide his admiration for one young star.
The reason? A 21-year-old orchestrating play in a Barcelona shirt: Pedri.
A Night Where Pedri Stole the Spotlight
Scholes tuned in to the Champions League clash between Newcastle United and Barcelona, a match brimming with intensity, fierce duels, and drama. Still, amidst the whirlwind, one figure stood apart. Pedri’s elegant movement and sharp vision had the veteran midfielder hooked from the very first touch.
Later that evening, Scholes took to Instagram, hinting he had found a new favorite footballer—the young Spaniard who ran the show at St James’ Park.
Numbers That Tell the Story
Pedri’s brilliance wasn’t just about the eye test. The stats backed it up:
- 92 passes attempted
- Over 91% completion rate
- A calm escape from Newcastle’s press time after time
It left many recalling the artistry of Andrés Iniesta—the ability to twist away from pressure and reshape attacks in an instant. Pedri didn’t just handle the moment; he dictated it.
Why Scholes Saw Himself in the Performance
Few know midfield mastery like Scholes. His craft was in controlling tempo, finding angles nobody else noticed, and turning simplicity into dominance.
In Pedri, Scholes saw echoes of his own game. The intelligence, precision, and awareness were all there—quiet brilliance over flashy trickery. It wasn’t mere praise; it was recognition from one maestro to another.
Newcastle’s Hard Lesson
For Newcastle, the game was a reminder of how steep the Champions League challenge can be. Winger Anthony Gordon admitted afterward that the side isn’t used to facing players of Pedri’s caliber, nor a style of football with the patience and calculation of chess.
Newcastle’s fight and energy weren’t lacking. What they found harder to match was finesse—the subtle control of a midfielder capable of tilting the balance almost single-handedly.
Pedri’s Bigger Picture
This display didn’t just secure Pedri’s value in Barcelona’s present—it underscored that he is their future. Just as Xavi and Iniesta defined an era, Pedri now carries the hopes of the next generation. Barcelona’s rebuilding may still be ongoing, but one thing is undeniable: their rhythm flows through Pedri.
Thanks to Scholes’s praise, fans in England who rarely follow La Liga may soon begin keeping a closer eye on him.
The Takeaway
When Paul Scholes openly declares you as his favorite, that’s no small compliment. Pedri’s display against Newcastle wasn’t just a strong showing—it was a clear reminder of how one player’s composure and vision can dictate the biggest games.
For Newcastle, it was a learning experience. For Pedri, it was another step toward cementing his place among Barcelona’s icons.
Possible Headlines
- Paul Scholes Falls for Pedri: “Barcelona’s New Iniesta”
- Pedri’s Masterclass Earns Rare Praise from United Legend
- A Midfield Lesson in the Champions League: Scholes Tips His Hat to Pedri
⚽ What do you think? Is Pedri already among football’s elite, or does he still need a few more commanding performances on the grandest stage before joining that level?