FC Barcelona have a crucial match awaiting them this Tuesday as they face Paris Saint Germain in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final. The Catalans have a one-goal lead over the Parisians in this tie, but keeping in view the quality of both teams, this tie is far from concluded at this moment.
There has been some good news for Xavi ahead of this match, as key players like Frenkie de Jong and Pedri have fully recovered from their injuries, and are fit to start in this match.
However, the Barcelona head coach will not be able to count upon some other highly important players like Andreas Christensen and Sergi Roberto because of their suspension.
In such a context, Xavi will have to start the match with the midfield trio of Frenkie de Jong, Ilkay Gundogan, and Pedri, with the latter not having started a match since the game against Athletic Club, a month and a half ago.
One of the main objectives set for this midfield by Xavi will be to overcome the strenuous pressure that Luis Enrique’s sides characterize. For this purpose, Xavi will be looking to play Gundogan and Frenkie quite close to one another, with Pedri enjoying greater freedom ahead of them.
Thus, as SPORT has noted, the 21-year-old Spanish midfielder will have a very important role in this game, as he will be the one playing closer to Robert Lewandowski, and the two will look to associate frequently to break down PSG’s defense.
The Canary Islander will also be looking to use the speed of Raphinha and Yamal and put in some exquisite balls and disrupt the PSG backline, like the one he sent for Raphinha that ended in the Brazilian’s second goal in the first leg.
His 30-minute cameos against both PSG and Cadiz showed that Pedri is ready for this big test ahead. He will be looking to cause problems for the Parisian defense, that has shown several signs of weakness this season.
