Pedri has been one of the most amazing revelations in the world of football in the last few seasons. Coming in as a teenager into the first team dynamics of FC Barcelona, the youngster has gained so much importance that the team visibly suffers when he is not available.
Ever since his arrival in FC Barcelona from Las Palmas, Pedri has taken the club and the league at large by storm. With his skills, ability, and maturity beyond his years, he has been able to become a fundamental part of the team under Xavi.
His importance for the team is beyond question, and can also be clearly shown in numbers. According to statistics from Opta, since the appointment of Xavi Hernandez as the head coach, FC Barcelona have accumulated 84 out of 93 available points in the league when Pedri was available, a 90% result. The club has won 27 matches with the midfielder, while drawing 3, and losing only 1.
On the other hand, when Pedri is not available, the team has been able to manage only 31 out of a possible 54 points, which means only 57% of points have been won in Pedri’s absence. The team has only won 9 matches in which Pedri was not available, drew 4, and lost 5.
In addition to these statistics, Pedri’s absence has also been felt significantly in the last few matches. The team is unable to have the same variety and energy in their attack when Pedri is absent, as was clear in the defeats to Manchester United and Almeria.
There was a similar case last season when FC Barcelona crashed out of the Europa League against Eintracht Frankfurt after Pedri was sidelined with an injury. Thus, Barcelona fans will be hoping to get the young midfielder back as soon as possible, in order to enhance their chances of finishing the season with some silverware.