Xavi Hernandez praises 19-year-old star: “There is no bigger talent in the world than Pedri”

Barcelona visited the Mestalla Stadium to face Valencia in the 24th game of their La Liga fixture. The Catalan club got a tremendous 1-4 win, with Aubameyang, Frenkie de Jong, and Pedri on the scoresheet.

While Barcelona were already leading the game 3-1, Pedri came on for Frenkie de Jong in the 59th minute. Only four minutes later, he scored an absolute stunner goal from outside of the box.

Xavi Hernandez was asked about his player’s performance following the game, to which the 42-year-old responded full of praise (h/t Barça TV+):

“Pedri is superb, what he does, how he turns, the timing of space-time… Perhaps he is already the best in the world in his position, it is wonderful to have him on the team,” said Xavi.

The Barcelona coach continued: “He gives us pause, calm, now he scores goals… he is a brilliant player.”

“There is no bigger talent in the world than Pedri. We have to take care of him… He is just 19!”

In only 30 minutes of play, Pedri scored a stunning goal, had 40 touches, 2 dribbles, 2 clearances, and 5 ball recoveries.

At indeed just 19 years of age, the Spanish wonderkid has already played 62 games for Barcelona, scoring 6 goals, and assisting 6 more.

It looks like if Barcelona can take care of the player, the Golden Boy can become Barcelona’s new midfield icon; something that the Catalan club have been missing ever since Xavi and Iniesta took off their jerseys.

Stats via Transfermarkt