FC Barcelona continues to count on their prodigious youngsters to carry forth the club’s legacy. Many talented stars who have worn the Blaugrana colors today are considered generational talents in their own right. However, praise from fans is only one part of acknowledging a player’s greatness.
Many times, it is actually the praise from rivals and opponents that resonates the loudest. Whether it be positive words or even ovations from opponents, there are many gestures that can further a player’s repute.
Praise from an opponent
Recently, a player from English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur acknowledged the compliment he gave to a certain Barcelona star. Yves Bissouma, midfielder for Spurs, recently revealed the words he said to Barcelona star Pedri following their Joan Gamper clash:
“Pedri makes me think about Iniesta. When we played against Barcelona in a pre-season friendly, I went to Pedri after the game and told him, ‘Give me your shirt because you are going to be one of the best midfielders in the world’.”
Yves himself joined Tottenham in 2022, arriving from fellow English side Brighton. He plays primarily as a defensive midfielder and has played 9 games for Spurs in the Premier League this season.
Pedri to return soon
Words like his can do a lot for a player’s confidence, even Pedri’s. Especially for a youngster like him who, despite how talented he is, is still recovering from an injury and will want to return at his best possible level.
These words may have been said directly to him back in August, but the impact should still be vital even today.
Pedri, on the other hand, is a player that many fans of the sport will recognize. Already a Golden Boy Award winner and Kopa Trophy recipient, his accolades speak for themselves. While he is currently in recovery, Barcelona expect him to be available for selection ahead of their game against Real Sociedad.