Players of Real Madrid, Mbappé, Tchouaméni, Mendy, and Camavinga, shine at Euro Media Day
“Infinite” Pedri is essential for Spain while up against Luka Modrić’s Croatia.
Spain defeated Croatia in extra time to advance to the Euro 2020 semi-finals, having previously played in the 2018 World Cup final and the 2022 semi-finals.
The custodian for Spain, Unai Simón, had a terrific tournament save for a strange own goal that Pedri scored from around fifty yards away.
“I think that you saw with my first goal (against Northern Ireland) that I’ve left the ιnjury behind me, I’m finding that I’m much better than before,” Pedri said before Euro 2024.
“I worked so much, after various setbacks, to reach the end of the season in great shape.”
In June 2023, Spain defeated Croatia in a penalty shootout to win their first major trophy since Euro 2012.
The 120-minute goalless match demonstrated the evenly matched teams, even if Spain was without Pedri because of his fitness situation at the time.
The midfield player quickly convinced De la Fuente that he was fit to compete in the European Championships after recovering from his most recent hamstring ailment in April. ιnjury had cost him half of the season.
His performance at Berlin’s Olympiastadion against Modrić and Croatia will give Spain, the reigning champions, hope to make it back for the July 14th final.
The Real Madrid midfielder’s (still) standard-bearer status for his country and their midfield rivalry will give this Saturday’s heavyweight showdown in Berlin a Clásico feel.
Spain, Croatia, Italy, and Albania comprise the most challenging quartet of the competition; nevertheless, if Pedri returns, La Roja might finally have the edge they’ve been looking for.
A string of hamstring injuries has caused Pedri’s career to stop after he was instrumental in Spain’s march to the Euro 2020 semi-finals.
In the latter part of the campaign and in Spain’s preseason matches, there were signs that Pedri could be able to find his form again.
In the most recent warm-up friendly, Spain defeated Northern Ireland 5-1 with the midfielder scoring twice while playing in an advanced position.
Though the position has generated debate in Spain regarding Pedri’s best use, coach Luis de la Fuente believes the Canary Islander is at his best when playing in the last third of the pitch.
He had to play closer to the area, between the lines, to take advantage of the last ball. De la Fuente said they may learn a lot from Pedri because of his perseverance in the fitness bаttle.
“I thank Pedri; he’s an example of overcoming, effort, a school of values (in himself), he’s important for everyone.”
Pedri has talked about how coach De la Fuente has supported him always after an ιnjury setback, noting that De la Fuente would call to provide consolation.
The coach of the midfield player has challenged him to keep improving, claiming he is unaware of Pedri’s potential.
“Pedri had to discover himself; we don’t know what his best version is because he’s so good, he is infinite,” De la Fuente said.
“Players must take the first step forward, but we coaches can provide them confidence.”
Worse still, Pedri will go up against three of the league’s top midfielders in Modrić, Manchester City’s Mateo Kovačić, and Al-Nassr’s Marcelo Brozović.