“Pedro Fernandez Is Cooking! And Flick Knows He’s the Next Big Thing”

Barcelona’s youth factory continues to produce gems, and the latest name making waves is none other than Pedro Fernandez. The 18-year-old midfielder has been quietly rising through the ranks, but after his recent performances in pre-season, there’s no denying it anymore—Pedro is cooking. And new head coach Hansi Flick is well aware that he’s got something truly special on his hands.

It started as just another trial run in the early days of pre-season training, but Pedro’s energy, intelligence, and vision on the ball quickly caught the attention of everyone at the club. His work ethic is relentless, his touch is elegant, and his decision-making resembles that of a seasoned veteran. Those within the club believe he could be the next breakout star—and it seems Flick shares that belief.

“From the moment he stepped onto the pitch, he showed he wasn’t just here to fill in,” a Barca insider revealed. “He’s demanding the ball, setting the tempo, and making senior defenders look foolish in training. You can’t teach that kind of composure at 18.” With Barcelona preparing for a new era under Flick, the German tactician is reportedly ready to hand Pedro more responsibility than initially planned.

During the recent friendly matches, Pedro not only featured regularly but also delivered key passes, orchestrated attacks, and even netted a goal in their match against Ajax—a performance that earned a standing ovation from the traveling fans. It was the kind of coming-out party most young players only dream of. Pedro Fernandez didn’t just survive the pressure—he thrived in it.

Sources close to the dressing room claim Flick has already started tailoring some tactical sessions around Pedro’s unique attributes. His versatility means he can slot into different midfield roles, offering both defensive support and creative flair. Flick reportedly sees him as a hybrid of Gavi’s aggression and Pedri’s intelligence—a dangerous mix for opponents.

“He’s got the mind of a playmaker and the legs of a box-to-box engine,” Flick told assistants in training, according to leaked notes. “Players like this don’t come along often. We have to nurture him, but also trust him.” With such high praise coming directly from the manager, it’s clear Pedro is no longer just a youth prospect—he’s being groomed for a first-team role.

Barcelona fans have begun buzzing online, with the hashtag #PedroIsCooking trending across Spanish social media. Many supporters are already comparing his rise to that of Lamine Yamal and Ansu Fati, both of whom exploded onto the scene as teenagers. The difference, they say, is that Pedro’s style is more mature, less flashy but just as effective. “He’s not trying to impress with tricks. He just makes football look simple,” wrote one fan.

The midfield is already stacked with talent, but Pedro’s emergence presents Flick with a good kind of headache. Will he rotate the trio of Pedri, Gavi, and De Jong to make space? Or will he deploy Pedro in more advanced roles or as a surprise starter in Copa del Rey matches and Champions League group stages? Whatever the plan is, one thing’s certain—he’s no longer just a player for the future.

What also sets Pedro apart is his mentality. In interviews and training sessions, he’s described as humble but driven—constantly staying late to work on finishing, passing drills, and stamina. “He doesn’t act like a star. He works like he’s still got everything to prove,” said one of his La Masia coaches.

As Barcelona eyes a return to dominance both domestically and in Europe, players like Pedro Fernandez will be key. Flick’s recognition of his talent is a sign of trust, and trust at Barcelona—especially in a young player—means the world. It’s a club built on youth, after all.

With the new La Liga season approaching fast, Pedro Fernandez could be the secret weapon that no one saw coming. He’s calm, he’s clinical, and he’s cooking up something big in Catalonia