Olmo backs Pedri to bounce back for Spain
Pedri was not at his best in Spain's 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 win over Portugal, but Dani Olmo has come to his team-mate's defence ahead of the quarter-final against Belgium.
Spain reached the quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over Portugal, courtesy of Mikel Merino's stoppage-time winner.
Pedri failed to make his usual impact for Spain in the victory, struggling to penetrate Portugal's backline while only winning one of his five duels; he won five of his seven duels against Austria in the previous round.
Spain also scored its winner after Pedri was replaced late on, but Olmo defended his compatriot and Barcelona team-mate.
"Pedri is a spectacle to watch, to train, and to play," Olmo said. "Every time I see him, he's spectacular.
"With and without the ball, having him on the field, knowing Pedri is playing gives you an extra boost.
"He's a player we have to have and need on the pitch; he's indispensable for us."
Spain is unbeaten in its past 11 meetings with Belgium in all competitions, winning nine of those since a 2-1 defeat at UEFA Euro 1980.
La Roja has won its past five games in a row against the Red Devils by an aggregate score of 13-1.
This will be Spain’s sixth FIFA World Cup quarter-final. After being eliminated from each of its first four from 1934 to 2002, La Roja won its most recent 1-0 against Paraguay in 2010 en route to lifting the trophy.
