“You cannot buy that, you can improve over time. The personality and attitude you have… there are few who have it. Hopefully he will be lucky with the injuries because he will undoubtedly be one of the best players in the history of Spain.”
Risk of burnout
Pedri has arguably became a victim of his own brilliance, as well as his own desire to play every minute possible.
Not only has he had a gruelling first season with Barcelona and then Euro 2020, but he is now taking part in the Olympic Games with La Roja.
Barcelona attempted to block his inclusion, but the Spanish FA insisted, and so Pedri will continue to play football this season – even as the new season approached.
Spain drew 0-0 with Egypt on Thursday and it was, incredibly, Pedri’s 66th game of the season for club and country.
Only two players have played more competitive minutes than the Spaniard this season in Man Utd’s Bruno Fernandes and Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount.
Player | Minutes |
Bruno Fernandes | 5,509 |
Mason Mount | 5,292 |
Pedri | 4,558 |
*Pre-Olympics
Both of these players are older than Pedri though, who is coming off just his first EVER season as a senior player.
In terms of the workload, it has been a baptism of fire.
Barcelona and Spain need to work together to make sure Pedri gets an adequate rest before the 2021/22 La Liga season, and crucially ensure that he is not asked to play so much again.
This campaign has indeed been an anomaly due to the Olympics taking place a few weeks after the European Championship, but that isn’t Pedri’s fault.
The Blaugrana can take some solace from the fact that he isn’t showing signs of burnout, yet, but while he still develops he needs to be allowed to do so without the pressure and minutes at one of the biggest clubs in the world and one of the most elite nations.