Barcelona’s Polish goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczesny, recently expressed his admiration for the young Spanish prodigy Pedri, whom he considers the most impressive player he has encountered in his career. In an interview with the Foot Truck podcast, the former Arsenal and Juventus goalkeeper took the time to analyze what makes the Catalan midfielder a unique talent in modern football.
“What Pedri has done this season… I’ve never seen anything like it in any other player. Watching him play live, seeing him control the game both defensively and offensively, it’s incredible. He never loses the ball,” Szczesny enthused. The Polish goalkeeper, who has been accustomed to playing alongside world-class stars throughout his career—from Cristiano Ronaldo to Gianluigi Buffon—was full of praise for the 21-year-old. He explains that what fascinates him most about Pedri is not just his technique or his vision of the game, but his maturity and his understanding of football at such a young age.
Szczesny, known for his outspokenness, spoke at length about the feeling he gets watching Pedri play on the pitch. For him, the Spanish midfielder isn’t just a good player: he represents a new generation of intelligent footballers, capable of dominating a match without necessarily relying on spectacular moves. “What strikes me most about Pedri is the ease with which he reads the game. He always knows what he’s going to do even before receiving the ball. He has a rare quality: he controls the tempo of the match. In attack, he creates; in defense, he intercepts. He’s a maestro,” explained Szczesny.
The Polish coach emphasized the young Barcelona player’s versatility. Whether in build-up play, ball recovery, or attacking transitions, Pedri stands out for his exceptional tactical intelligence. His influence goes beyond that of a simple midfielder: he acts as the metronome of his team. This technical mastery, combined with impressive stamina and surgical precision in his passing, makes Pedri a unique player in world football. “He’s only 21, but he plays like a 30-year-old veteran. That’s what impresses me most. He never panics, even under pressure,” adds Szczesny.
The goalkeeper believes that the secret to Pedri’s success lies in his simplicity and efficiency. He doesn’t try to do too much, but every action has meaning. This approach is reminiscent of some of the greatest midfielders in history, from Xavi to Iniesta, whose spiritual heir Pedri is often considered. Szczesny’s comments only confirm what everyone already thinks: Pedri is establishing himself as a legend in the making. Since his debut with FC Barcelona, he has consistently impressed with his consistency and impact on the team’s play. Despite his young age, he has become a central figure in the Catalan system and a pillar of the Spanish national team.
His influence is felt both technically and mentally. Pedri symbolizes this new generation of Spanish players who combine pure talent with tactical maturity. His fluid style, inspired by Barça’s historic tiki-taka, has captivated even the most seasoned opponents. Szczesny, despite being accustomed to facing legends of European football, was keen to emphasize the difference between Pedri and the other talents he has encountered: “I’ve played against Messi, Cristiano, Modric, De Bruyne… They are all exceptional, but Pedri has something unique. He’s not just a talented player, he’s a player who understands everything about football.” These words, coming from an experienced 34-year-old goalkeeper who has played in the Premier League, Serie A, and the biggest international competitions, lend particular weight to this praise.
Since his breakthrough season in 2020-2021, Pedri has become one of the most iconic figures in Spanish football. Awarded the Golden Boy trophy and the Kopa Trophy, he quickly earned the respect of fans, teammates, and opponents alike. His ability to maintain consistent intensity throughout the season, his exceptional vision, and his humility have made him a global benchmark in the midfield position. For such a young player, his understanding of the game is almost superhuman.
Under Xavi Hernández’s guidance, Pedri has further refined his positioning and off-the-ball movement. His partnership with Gavi and Frenkie de Jong now forms one of the most promising midfield trios in Europe. Szczesny’s praise confirms that Pedri is no longer simply a rising star of Spanish football: he is already seen as a player destined to leave his mark on the game. Her influence extends far beyond Camp Nou — she inspires an entire generation of young footballers.
