Pedri 's start to the 2025/26 season is breaking all molds. He has been an irreplaceable mainstay in all eight official matches Barcelona have played so far – seven in La Liga and one in the Champions League.

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Pedri showcased beautiful football. Photo: MD

Pedri currently has the most touches (783 times), the most accurate passes (652), the most passes into the final third (90), the most dribbles into the final third near the goal (36) and the most ball recoveries (49) in the top 5 European football leagues.

His dominant data makes him the true brain of the team, Hansi Flick. Perhaps he is the most complete midfielder on the planet right now.

“He’s special. He’s a fantastic player. I like how Pedri has improved and the leadership role he brings to the team,” Flick shared after the comeback victory against Sociedad.

The German strategist emphasized: "Pedri is always present all over the pitch. He is extremely important to us."

The 22-year-old midfielder combines composure and aggression, creativity and self-sacrifice in defense.

In La Liga, Pedri leads in total number of passes made (711), far ahead of second-placed Alvaro Carreras (544).

Last weekend, he continued to prove his worth: being voted Man of the Match (for the second time this season) in the 2-1 victory against Sociedad, another outstanding performance showcasing his control and creativity.

Pedri's international recognition has yet to match his influence. At the most recent Ballon d'Or gala, he only finished 11th, a result that surprised many.

However, he and Hansi Flick weren't too concerned about that. What mattered was Barca's victories.

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Pedri is not only great in attack, but also excellent in defense. Photo: MD

Entering the second matchday of the Champions League group stage, Barca's clash with PSG at Montjuic Stadium (2 AM on October 2nd) presents Pedri's biggest challenge of the season so far. He may face Vitinha – ranked third in the Ballon d'Or but his availability is uncertain.

Regardless of the outcome, the current reality is clear: Pedri is shining brighter than ever. Beyond his link-up play, he excels in other statistics: an average of 7 recoveries per game; and 4 successful duels.

Pedri's balance between defensive and creative abilities makes him a type of player almost impossible to find in modern football.

The numbers don't lie: Pedri is the engine of Barca. The "Blaugrana" can win without Lamine Yamal, but Hansi Flick isn't confident enough to leave his number 8 out.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/barca-dau-psg-o-cup-c1-sieu-may-tinh-pedri-2447773.html