Barcelona midfield prodigy nominated for Best Playmaker Award for 2021

Barcelona midfield sensation, Pedri, has been nominated for the IFFHS Best Playmaker Award for 2021.

The International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) honours the best playmaker at the end of the year at the World Football Gala. The organisation rewards footballers for their achievements and contributions over the calendar year.

The award has been handed out since 2006, with former Barcelona greats Lionel Messi and Xavi each bagging the award a record four times each. Another Barca legend, Andres Iniesta, has also picked up the accolade on two occasions thus far.

Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne was the recipient of the IFFHS Best Playmaker Award last year. And the reputed organisation have now released the shortlist of nominees for the honour for 2021.

Among the names in contention is Barcelona midfield prodigy Pedri. The 18-year-old enjoyed his breakthrough with the Catalans last season under Ronald Koeman. Having soon become a permanent fixture in the side, the teenager made over 50 senior appearances in 2020/21.

Pedri was involved in Spain’s run to the semi-finals of the UEFA Euro 2020 this summer, following which he helped La Roja win the silver medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

The former Las Palmas youngster was named the Best Young Player at the European Championships, nominated for the Ballon d’Or 2021, is among the finalists for the Golden Boy Award and now finds himself in the running for the IFFHS Best Playmaker honour for 2021 as well.

The other nominees include Lionel Messi, Kevin De Bruyne, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Luka Modric, Mason Mount, Sergio Oliveira, Bruno Fernandes, Nicolo Barella, Takefusa Kubo, Thomas Muller, Giovanni Reyna, Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden and Jorginho.

The winner of the annual award will be announced at the end of the month.