LETS TALK ABOUT PEDRI…
(A THREAD)
(A THREAD)
Pedri has suffered 8 muscular injuries since the 21/22 season. In 6/8, he has been out for over a month. As a consequence, his progress has stagnated.
Next season will be a defining one. Pedri is only 21 years old, but he is in need of continuity. Barca is also in need of stability. Question remains, how can we achieve that?
It will come down to Pedri’s role. In the 22/23 season, Pedri averaged:
- 81 minutes per game played in the Champions League.
- 76 minutes per game played in La Liga.
That is too much, and the injuries continued into the 23/24 season.
- 81 minutes per game played in the Champions League.
- 76 minutes per game played in La Liga.
That is too much, and the injuries continued into the 23/24 season.
Pedri is possibly the best player we got at his peak, but we MUST think long term. Pedri needs to strengthen his body over time, and gradually learn how much he can handle. He can’t handle many minutes over a shorter time period.
Our ultimate goal should be Pedri averaging 60 minutes or less per game he is involved. If Barca play twice a week, he could start one & come off the bench in the other.
Phil Foden averaged 58 minutes per game at the age of 20-21. From there, they gradually increased his minutes. Pedri played far too much at a young age, and it’s time to slow down before it’s too late.
Barca’s depth in midfield is great. Christensen, Gündogan, Frenkie, Fermin Lopez, Pedri, Gavi (returning), Casado + new signing. The best option is to frequently rotate Pedri & Gündogan.
Gündogan is turning 34 years old. If he is to keep performing at the highest level, he is also in the need of more rest. This season, the German midfielder played the most minutes out of all the players in the squad (4179).
By playing either Pedri or Gündogan, we maintain a similar profile on the pitch, but ensure that they have a bigger chance of staying fresh & healthy.
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