I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Chapter 902: Chapter 11: Do I Still Resemble Who I Once Was? (Part 2)

The comparison with Iniesta always accompanies Pedri’s growth trajectory.

Both players possess the composure to handle the ball in tight spaces, but their technical approaches differ fundamentally. Iniesta’s breakthroughs rely more on sudden direction changes and deception of balance, while Pedri is skilled at leveraging step frequency variations to create time differences. This difference is more apparent on the defensive end: Pedri’s defensive positioning focuses more on cutting off passing lanes, rather than the close marking favored by the French legend. This modern midfield characteristic gives him unique problem-solving abilities against high pressing.

The shadow of injuries had long enveloped this genius midfielder.

Between 2021 and 2023, Pedri missed 43% of the team’s official matches due to muscle issues.

The personalized training plan crafted by the medical team has started to show results, with his playing time this season returning to peak levels. Fitness coach Juan Carlos reveals that core strength training and monitoring exercise loads are key to ensuring his physical condition, with a particular focus on hip stability and buffering techniques for sudden stops and turns during training.

Barcelona’s tactical system gains more possibilities from Pedri’s evolution.

The head coach grants him the freedom to change positions within the basic 4-3-3 formation, allowing Pedri to autonomously choose when to make deep runs based on the opponent’s defensive positioning when the team transitions into attack. This tactical flexibility both unleashes Lewandowski’s finishing ability and creates space for Raphinha’s flanking assaults. On defense, he forms a dual gate interception network with Gundogan, effectively easing the lateral coverage pressure on the backline.

Technical analyst Marcos Lopez points out that Pedri’s unique value lies in balancing the needs of classic midfield and modern football.

Per 90 minutes, while completing 12.3 progressive passes, he also contributes 2.4 interceptions, ranking in the top 3% among players in similar positions in the top five leagues for both attack and defense contributions. More remarkably, his decision-making error rate remains under 8% in high-intensity matches—a rarity for key players with absolute possession.

In the stands at Camp Nou, fans have already started listing Pedri alongside legends like Xavi and Iniesta.

This anticipation stems not only from the technical talent he has displayed, but also from his tactical maturity, which surpasses peers at the age of 22. When opponents attempt to restrict his passing through double-teaming, Pedri counters the siege with concise one-touch passes. When the team needs to control tempo, he can attract defense through ball possession to create running opportunities for teammates.

This mastery of releasing and restraining tempo is precisely the hallmark of a top-tier midfielder.

Even Real Madrid’s Chen Zhong possesses such skills, being able to make one-touch passes, control tempo, attract the attention of opposing defenders, and create opportunities for his teammates.

Moreover, Chen Zhong can attempt to blast open the goal with long-range shots outside the penalty area.

Last season, as the Champions League knockout stage reached a fever pitch, Pedri’s continuous output became a decisive factor on Barcelona’s road to title contention.

The muscle status monitoring by the medical team each week, the customized position rotation plan by the coaching staff, and the player’s own awareness of injury prevention collectively build this risk-resistant defense net.

In contrast, Real Madrid’s medical team seems collectively to have lost their wits.

Pedri looked at Gavi, and Gavi met his gaze with a nod, acknowledging the increased importance attached to Chen Zhong.

Gavi, cultivated by La Masia’s youth training as a genius midfielder, boasts a tough playing style, tireless fighting spirit, and exquisite footwork, endearing him to Barcelona fans.

Since returning from a serious injury, the club has been cautious in utilizing him, yet Gavi remains fearless and aggressive.

Gavi is not only impressive for his looks and skills but also for his fearless challenges and confrontations in matches.

Previously, he often dove headfirst to dispute ball possession with opponents’ boots; his injuries might indeed be related to his daring and brave style of play.

Gavi’s previous characteristics included agility in actions and excellent forcefulness at critical moments.

Just like in this match, under the defensive pressure exerted by Real Madrid, Gavi first evades the challenge with ball control, then with a turning action, showcasing his considerable explosiveness.

When Real Madrid counter with possession, the first Barcelona player to challenge is still Gavi.

However, this time the result seems unfavorable as the feisty bulldog was squeezed to the ground by Chen Zhong, yet his fighting spirit cannot be denied, and moreover...

Gavi has a keen sense of crisis and an admirable combat spirit, which makes fans fond of him.

Looking at Barcelona’s offense in this match, Gavi’s movement and support reflect the essence of La Masia.

Gavi’s playing style is well-suited to Flick’s taste, and the Barcelona head coach holds expectations for him.

Gavi’s flexibility in turning and exerting force is commendable, though mainly relying on the advantage of movement radius in actions.

In terms of challenging, Gavi exposes some issues.

Following his return from serious injury, Gavi needs time to regain the robustness of his playing style.

Gavi’s immediate challenges are what Flick hopes to see, yet if his challenges fail, it leads to potential gaps in Barcelona’s defense.

Teammates trying to fill in the gaps simply lack the speed.

Throughout this match, the most noticeable aspect of Gavi is his tenacious effort in fighting for every ball.

On one hand, he anticipates dangers, and on the other, displays strong combat spirit.

Just like in this wave of defense, Gavi moves from the center circle to the full-back defensive zone, and though he doesn’t complete the tackle, it is his pressure that forces the opponent into making errors.

During the attack-and-defense transitions in the first half, when Olmo’s dribbling attempt failed, Gavi was the first to challenge near the halfway line, again causing opponent mistakes, allowing Barcelona to regain possession.

This play is more typical, when an opponent’s through ball targets Barcelona’s defensive depth, Gavi is the one who returns to the penalty area, protects the second drop, and completes a crucial tackle block.

Barcelona increasingly gives off the vibe of the Dream Team era.

Back then, Guardiola had Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets among his lineup.

Now Barcelona boasts Yamal, Pedri, and Gavi among their players.

”The match continues!”

”Just substituted onto the field, Chen Zhong’s physical stamina is extremely abundant.”

”He exhibits his dominance ability.”

”Against Chen Zhong, they struggle to implement effective restrictions.”

When Chen Zhong retreats to midfield, Barcelona’s players need to make a decision about whether to retreat to midfield as well.

Meanwhile, Mbappe and Vinicius from Real Madrid can decide whether or not to cut diagonally into the center, directly threatening Barcelona’s goal.

In this match, Barcelona is disadvantaged by the lack of a tall, strong player in their midfield and defense.

Even someone like Pique is absent.

Most players hover around a height of 180 cm.

Facing Chen Zhong, the height difference is one issue.

The psychological pressure, coupled with the disparity in physical confrontation ability, further drives them to despair.

In past encounters, Casemiro once completely unravelled Gavi with his experience.

Casemiro accurately anticipated all of Gavi’s moves, easily taking control of him, and now, with Chen Zhong retreating to midfield.

The young Barcelona is evidently struggling.

Their every move, every action, seems to fall within Real Madrid’s players’ expectations.

While Chen Zhong effortlessly handles the ball, continuing to control it, gradually ”toy” with both Gavi and Pedri.

Observing the scene unfold before him, Flick raises an eyebrow, sensing trouble.

Just as he is about to speak, the very next moment.