Former Real Madrid midfielder slams Pedri after El Clásico defeat: ‘Absolutely dreadful’

Former Real Madrid midfielder slams Pedri after El Clásico defeat: ‘Absolutely dreadful’ Barcelona’s 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid has prompted criticism of Pedri, with former Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart questioning the Spaniard’s performance, while suggesting that Frenkie de Jong has an opportunity to reclaim his place in Hansi Flick’s starting XI. Speaking to Ziggo Sport (h/t SPORT ), the former Netherlands international argued that Pedri and several of his Barcelona teammates fell below their usual standards in El Clasico.  His assessment comes as De Jong returns from injury and looks to build his match fitness after making a late appearance against Real Madrid. Van der Vaart criticises Pedri after Barcelona defeat to Real Madrid Van der Vaart did not hold back in his assessment of Pedri’s display during Barcelona’s 2-1 loss at the Spotify Camp Nou.  The former Real Madrid player believes the midfielder’s performance could create an opening for De Jong as competition for places intensifies in Flick’s midfield. Van der Vaart has criticised Pedri for his El Clasico performance. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) “Pedri was absolutely dreadful and the others were also very sloppy, so De Jong has no reason to fear the competition. Opportunities will come,” Van der Vaart began saying. The criticism is particularly notable given Pedri’s importance to Barcelona’s midfield.  The Spain international is usually central to the team’s ability to control possession and dictate the tempo, making his performance against Madrid an obvious talking point after the defeat. Frenkie de Jong returns from injury and targets Barcelona starting XI De Jong’s return offers Flick another option in midfield as the Dutchman works towards full match fitness.  After spending several months out through injury, he featured for the final 15 minutes against Madrid, giving him an opportunity to resume competitive action in one of Barcelona’s biggest fixtures. Frenkie de Jong returned to action against Real Madrid. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) The midfielder admitted that the result had overshadowed the personal satisfaction of returning to the pitch. Can Frenkie de Jong replace Pedri? De Jong has made his intentions clear that he wants to move beyond substitute appearances and return to the starting lineup as quickly as possible. “I’m ready and I feel good. Now it’s about playing a bit more each time. I need to get back into the starting line-up as soon as possible,” he said. The Dutchman’s return indeed gives Flick greater depth and flexibility, but displacing Pedri will require more than one disappointing performance from the Spaniard.  Pedri remains an important figure in Barcelona’s midfield, while De Jong must demonstrate that he can sustain his fitness and deliver consistently after his lengthy absence, especially considering the competition for places.