The latest edition of Barça magazine arrives with two standout figures: Pedri on the cover and Andrés Iniesta filling the pages with nostalgia. The former Barça captain pens an article where he breaks down his view of the young midfielder, whom he considers a unique talent and, above all, a player who doesn’t need to imitate anyone to shine. Iniesta praises Pedri’s story, character and his rare ability to read the game with effortless intuition.

“I like Pedri,” the Manchego writes, almost as a statement of principles. For him, the Spanish international stands out not just for his technique but for the resilience forged since childhood. Iniesta acknowledges the honor of being considered Pedri’s idol, but quickly points out that he too had his role models, such as Pep Guardiola and Michael Laudrup, from whom he learned without trying to copy them.

Iniesta’s Message: Pedri Must Be Himself

At the heart of Iniesta’s text lies one idea: avoid comparisons. For the man who scored the most important goal in Spain’s football history, Pedri’s mission is simple yet ambitious: build his own path. “Pedri is Pedri,” he stresses. And it’s precisely that authenticity that, he believes, makes the Canary Islander a difference-maker for both FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team.

Iniesta highlights his vision, his knack for creating passes invisible to the rest and his massive influence in key moments. Despite his youth, he describes Pedri as an altruistic player, someone who elevates the team before himself. As for the future, he leaves an optimistic verdict: “He has so much quality that we will still see a better version of Pedri.”

A Barça on Pause and a Short-Handed Squad

Parallel to the literary tribute, Barcelona wrapped up their final training session of the week at the Joan Gamper Training Center before a four-day break. Under Hansi Flick, the session included goalkeepers Joan Garcia, Wojciech Szczesny and Eder Aller; defenders Eric Garcia, Alejandro Balde and Gerard Martín; and midfielder Marc Bernal, who continues to regain rhythm after a long injury absence. Part of his session was completed with Barça Atlètic.

The German coach also had to deal with a nearly empty locker room: eleven players are away with their national teams, including Olmo, Cubarsí, Fermín, Ferran Torres, Lewandowski, Rashford, Kounde, Christensen, De Jong, Roony Bardghji, Araujo and Kochen. The injury list includes Ter Stegen, Gavi, Pedri, Raphinha, Casadó and Lamine Yamal, absences that complicate preparations for the November 22 match against Athletic Club.

Iniesta’s reflection and Barça’s present meet at one point: the anticipation of seeing Pedri fully recovered and ready to once again drive the team’s creative engine. Because if one thing is clear from Iniesta’s words, it’s this: Barça’s future runs through the boots of the young midfielder.