Barcelona legend Iniesta plays down comparisons between him and Pedri: ‘He has his own story’

Barcelona legend Iniesta plays down comparisons between him and Pedri: ‘He has his own story’ Barcelona now boast one of the world’s most dangerous midfield combinations after the signing of Rodri, as they have the Spanish national team captain linking up with Pedri, one of football’s greatest anomalies. The one game Pedri and Rodri started together last night made it clear that they are capable of achieving great things, for the veteran unlocked the Canary Islander and enabled him to play in a more advanced position. With freedom to roam in the final third and link up with the attackers at the edge of the box, Pedri’s role was very reminiscent of Andres Iniesta’s role when Sergio Busquets and Xavi took care of the defensive responsibilities. Iniesta speaks on Pedri Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta opened up on Pedri’s style of play and impact on the team’s performances over the years. “He is a player who, when you watch him on television, amazes you with what he does, and with how easy, simple and natural he makes it look,” Iniesta began, showering high praise on Pedri. One of the world’s best players. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) The legend was then asked if the Barcelona midfielder was closer to him or Xavi Hernandez, to which he said, “Pedri is Pedri.” “[He is] not a mixture of anything because he has his own qualities, his strengths and his own things to continue developing and improving.”  “He is a very young player, although he is already very decisive for Barça and the national team,” he added. Speaking on the Canary Islander’s journey up the ranks to elite football, Iniesta said, “Pedri is an extraordinary footballer. I love him because behind him is a story full of hard work and overcoming difficulties. And above all, he has his own story.” Iniesta is Pedri’s idol. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) What it means to be an idol In all his interviews thus far, Pedri has always maintained that Iniesta was his role model growing up. “For him to say that I was his childhood idol is something beautiful. He watched the way I played. To be a reference for someone—who wouldn’t like to hear something like that?,” Iniesta remarked when asked about the same. Towards the end of his interview, the Barcelona legend was asked what Pedri must do to become as great as him. “Pedri doesn’t have to be me. He has to be Pedri, with his own characteristics, building his own path. That is the most valuable thing for any person: being yourself. And that is what he is.” Elaborating on what makes him a different player with a special talent, the former Barcelona midfielder said, “Above all, he is a difference-maker, capable of creating plays that didn’t exist before.” “He comes up with passes that nobody had seen previously because he possesses tremendous talent,” he added. Finally, Iniesta concluded his opinion on Pedri with a simple, yet powerful praise. “He is an extraordinary footballer.” Source:  SPORT