Spanish national team head coach Luis de la Fuente has on Sunday moved to reveal his appreciation for a leading member of his midfield ranks.
The player in question? Pedri.
Barcelona star Pedri, of course, took his place front and centre in the headlines in Spain late last night.
As much came after the 21-year-old took full advantage of the more attack-minded role afforded to him by La Roja, in the country’s friendly meeting with Northern Ireland.
Across a 70-minute showing at Son Moix, Pedri notched a superb brace, acting as the catalyst for Spain’s eventual comeback victory.
Speaking in the aftermath of the matchup, the former Las Palmas talent went on to laud boss De la Fuente, whom Pedri credited with an important role in his recent recovery from injury:
“I had several calls from Luis de la Fuente and he gave me a lot of encouragement. He always told me to be calm and that encourages me a lot.”
Himself drawn on Pedri’s kind words on Sunday, though, Spain’s headmaster was quick to assure that it is he, and not Pedri, who should be grateful:
“Pedri thanking me for trusting him? I am the one that should be thanking him…”
Conor Laird | GSFN
