Barcelona midfielder Pedri is confident that Frenkie de Jong will soon return to his best form, despite a challenging season plagued by injuries. De Jong has struggled to find his rhythm this term, but Pedri believes the Dutchman is on the verge of regaining his peak performances, which would significantly strengthen Barcelona’s midfield.
“I’m sure we’ll see the best version of Frenkie soon,” Pedri shared, expressing optimism for his teammate’s recovery.
Pedri also took the time to praise Marc Casado, Barcelona’s emerging talent, who recently made his debut for Spain. Known for his relentless work ethic, Casado has been nicknamed “The Pitbull” by Pedri due to his aggressive pressing and ability to regain possession. Pedri emphasized Casado’s impressive impact on the team, highlighting the depth of young talent at Barcelona.
“I appreciate him a lot. I call him ‘the pitbull’ because he always presses like a beast to win the ball back. He’s a player who has surprised me a lot,” Pedri said.
On a personal note, Pedri has been enjoying a standout season himself, with consistent performances, notably in Barcelona’s 5-1 victory over Sevilla, where he scored. What made the goal even more memorable was manager Hansi Flick’s passionate celebration, which Pedri interpreted as a sign of the coach’s trust and confidence.
“That the coach celebrates your goal in this way shows the confidence he gives me, and I try to return the favour,” Pedri explained.
Pedri also revealed that Flick’s support has been a driving force behind his improved form. The 21-year-old feels physically stronger and more consistent in his play, something he hadn’t felt in a long time.
“Now I have the regularity that I’ve been missing for a long time, and when you have regularity you enjoy football more,” Pedri said, reflecting on his physical progress.
In addition to his footballing growth, Pedri shared some lighter aspects of his life. He’s actively learning English and exploring new hobbies, such as cooking, often collaborating with teammate Lamine.
“I’m learning English. And recently I’ve been learning to cook with Lamine,” Pedri added, giving fans a glimpse into his personal life.
Pedri’s journey highlights not only his own development but also the bright future ahead for Barcelona, both individually and collectively. With key players like De Jong and Casado making strides, and Pedri’s continued growth, Barcelona fans have much to look forward to in the seasons to come.
