Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has lauded Barcelona starlet Pedri following his heroics at UEFA Euro 2020, branding his display as exhilarating.
As quoted by Liverpool Echo, Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on Pedri following his brilliant performances at UEFA Euro 2020. The Manchester United legend has even gone to the extent of calling the Barcelona midfielder exhilarating while exclaiming that he is a great player to watch.
Pedri was perhaps the best player on show for Spain at UEFA Euro 2020 and was valiant in defeat to Italy in the semi-final as well. Post the loss, Luis Enrique, the Spain head coach, had some huge words reserved for the 18-year-old Barcelona midfielder, saying, “No one has ever seen that from anybody at the age of 18. Not even Sir Andres Iniesta.”
The latest fan in a long queue of admirers of the teenage prodigy is Rio Ferdinand, with the Manchester United legend waxing lyrical about the Barcelona starlet. He said, “Pedri has been exhilarating at times with his vision and passing. The way he receives the ball all the time. His head is up. Receiving it on the half-turn, it comes so naturally to him.”
“He seems to have that natural ability and awareness where people are. The running is good. But the little bits of skill here and there separates him. Tight areas ‘give it to me, I don’t care because I can get out and I can probably put it through your legs as well. Not a problem’. Great player to watch.”
Pedri went into UEFA Euro 2020 on the back of a top-notch debut campaign for Barcelona, wherein he proved to be one of the club’s best players on show, along with proven performers like Frenkie de Jong and the ever-consistent captain Lionel Messi.
The same has reflected in the transfer market as well, with the 18-year-old being heavily linked with Liverpool in recent times. The interest in the teenage prodigy is bound to rise further now following what was a phenomenal UEFA Euro 2020 campaign. The words from Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand are testament to that as well.
As for Barcelona, they are scrambling to retain the services of Pedri, with reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano claiming that a new, improved contract will soon be offered to him once they fix their dire financial situation. While his current deal expires in a year’s time, Barcelona are expected to trigger a clause that will extend the contract till the summer of 2023. A special future awaits the Spanish midfielder.
