Legendary Arsenal manager hails Barcelona’s midfield maestro after Champions League thriller against Inter Milan
Arsenal legend and renowned football pundit Arsene Wenger has lavished praise on Barcelona’s young midfield star Pedri, describing him as “unbelievable” and comparing his qualities to those of former Arsenal captain and Spain international Cesc Fabregas.
The iconic French manager made the glowing assessment following Barcelona’s dramatic 4-3 defeat to Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg at the San Siro on Tuesday night — a result that saw the Catalan giants crash out of the tournament with a 6-5 aggregate loss.
While much of the spotlight was placed on 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal for his dazzling performance during the tie, Wenger used his post-match appearance on beIN SPORTS to redirect attention to another prodigious talent in the Barcelona ranks.
“We speak only about Yamal for Barcelona,” Wenger said. “I would love to highlight Pedri.”
The 22-year-old midfielder, who has already earned a reputation as one of the most intelligent and technically gifted players of his generation, was singled out by Wenger for his elegance, vision, and command in the middle of the park — attributes that reminded the veteran coach of a young Fabregas during his early days in North London.
“For me, Pedri is absolutely unbelievable,” Wenger added. “He puts me on my knees. The science of a midfielder is in Pedri’s legs and brain. Everything he does is unbelievable.”
“He is like Fabregas, yes. They are comparable. In terms of authority and charisma on the football pitch, they are comparable.”
Wenger’s comparison carries considerable weight, given his long history of developing world-class midfielders, including Fabregas himself, who debuted for Arsenal as a teenager and went on to become one of the finest passers in modern football.
Pedri’s Rise to Stardom
Born Pedro González López, Pedri joined Barcelona from Las Palmas in 2020 and quickly cemented his place in the first team under former manager Ronald Koeman. Since then, his rise has been meteoric.
Known for his extraordinary football IQ, press resistance, and mature decision-making, Pedri has already played a vital role in both Barcelona’s domestic and European campaigns. Despite dealing with injuries in previous seasons, he remains a key pillar in Xavi Hernandez’s midfield structure.
Pedri is expected to make his 200th appearance for Barcelona before the current campaign concludes — a staggering achievement for someone still only 22 years old. His milestone is a testament to his importance to the club and his remarkable consistency at the highest level.
The Spain international has already lifted a La Liga title and was part of the squad that won the UEFA Euro 2020 with Spain, where he was named the tournament’s Young Player of the Tournament and included in the official Team of the Tournament.
Barcelona’s Champions League Heartbreak
The praise from Wenger comes in the wake of a gut-wrenching Champions League exit for Barcelona. After securing a 2-2 draw in the first leg at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, the Blaugrana were narrowly edged out 4-3 in a thrilling second leg at the San Siro. Despite goals from Robert Lewandowski, João Félix, and Raphinha, Inter Milan’s attacking precision and clinical finishing sealed their place in the final.
Though the result was disappointing, it was another showcase of Barcelona’s youthful core — including standout performances from Pedri and Yamal — and a sign of promise for the club’s future.
Wenger’s Insight on Midfield Mastery
Wenger’s comments are especially meaningful given his legacy as one of Europe’s most tactically astute minds. Known for nurturing talents like Fabregas, Patrick Vieira, and Aaron Ramsey, Wenger’s praise of Pedri suggests the Spaniard could soon be mentioned among the game’s modern greats.
“The science of a midfielder,” Wenger emphasized, “is in Pedri’s legs and brain.”
The former Arsenal boss’s poetic description of Pedri encapsulates the qualities that set the Barcelona midfielder apart — his vision, composure, and ability to control the tempo of a game with ease.
Pedri’s Future and Barcelona’s Midfield Revolution
As Barcelona looks to rebuild and reclaim its spot atop European football, Pedri’s role will be central. Alongside fellow Spanish stars Gavi and Fermin Lopez, he forms part of a vibrant new midfield era for the Blaugrana.
While comparisons to Fabregas offer a nostalgic nod to the past, Pedri’s trajectory is very much his own. With maturity well beyond his years and the faith of both his club and country, Pedri is well-positioned to become a defining player of the next generation.
Despite the disappointment of a Champions League exit, Barcelona fans can take solace in knowing that they possess one of the world’s brightest midfield talents — one who has already earned the admiration of footballing royalty like Arsene Wenger.
Conclusion
Wenger’s praise adds to the growing chorus of voices recognizing Pedri’s brilliance. With 200 club appearances on the horizon, major trophies already in his cabinet, and comparisons to legends like Fabregas, the future looks bright for both Pedri and Barcelona.
As the current season winds down, all eyes will remain on the young Spaniard — not just for what he has accomplished, but for the greatness he is still destined to achieve.
