Thiago labels Pedri as world's best midfielder
Thiago Alcantara believes there is no better midfielder in the world than Barcelona and Spain star Pedri, likening him to former Blaugrana great Andres Iniesta.
Pedri helped Hansi Flick's side defend its LaLiga crown last season, having also played his role in Barcelona winning the 2022-2023 title.
Adding in his UEFA Euro 2024 glory with Spain, Barcelona assistant Thiago struggled to see any player in the world who is better than Pedri in his position.
"Pedri – best midfield player for me in the world right now," Thiago said while on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast.
"When I was a player and played with him, and now that I am a coach, I have the same feeling that I had with Iniesta at that time.
"Of this plasticity while playing, like moving all the time diagonally, and while you're moving, you see what’s happening around you and make the right decisions."
Pedri has provided the perfect cover for Barcelona's attacking riches which also include Spain team-mate Lamine Yamal.
Thiago sees no reason why Yamal cannot become the best player in the world, having starred once again in the 2025-2026 LaLiga competition.
He scored 16 goals and provided 11 assists in last season's top flight, ending as the only player to have achieved double digits for both metrics in LaLiga.
"Yeah, he was about to last year, so why not?," Thiago said about whether Yamal could become the best player in the world.
"Now with the [FIFA] World Cup, he's playing well, he's made a massive change for Spain and why not next year?
"I was on the pitch to train with him to see how good players are or what patterns they have, and talking about small-sided games, he made a difference in those games.
"You know when he’s on one side of the two or three teams, the team will win."
