‘Infinite’ Pedri is Spain’s key player against Luka Modric’s Croatia

BERLIN – Spain’s Euro 2024 hopes have been bolstered by Pedri’s return to form, and the Barcelona playmaker could prove crucial in their opening battle against Croatia in Berlin on June 15.

Spain, Croatia, Italy and Albania comprise Group B, the tournament’s toughest quartet, while a resurgent Pedri would give La Roja the edge they crave.

He was a vital player as the Spaniards reached the Euro 2020 semi-finals, but repeated hamstring injuries have set his career back in the years since.

The midfielder missed half of this season injured but, after returning from his latest hamstring problem in April, came back strongly, quickly convincing Spain coach Luis de la Fuente that he was ready.

Pedri struck twice playing in an advanced role as Spain thrashed Northern Ireland 5-1 on June 8 in their final warm-up match before the European Championship.

It opened debate over his best position, as he sometimes operates deeper in midfield, but de la Fuente said he needs the 21-year-old to make the difference in the final third.

“We want him to play closer to the area, between the lines and taking advantage of the final ball. I think we can get a great deal from him,” said the coach, grateful for Pedri’s grit in his fitness battle.

“I thank Pedri, he’s an example of overcoming (difficulties), effort, a school of values, he’s important for everyone.”

De la Fuente has been a strong supporter of Pedri and the midfielder revealed with every injury setback, the 62-year-old would call to offer support. The coach added he does not know where Pedri’s ceiling is and has encouraged the player to keep improving.

“Pedri had to find himself, we don’t know what his best version is because he’s so good, he is infinite. We coaches can give confidence to players, but it is the player who has to take the step forward,” he said.

Up against an elite midfield trio in Real Madrid’s Luka Modric, Manchester City’s Mateo Kovacic and Al-Nassr’s Marcelo Brozovic, Pedri will be thrown in at the deep end when the battle begins on June 15. However, he is not afraid of anything, having rediscovered confidence from his recent form and ability.

“I’m finding that I’m much better than before, I think that you saw with my first goal (against Northern Ireland) that I’ve left the injury behind me. I worked so much, after various setbacks, to reach the end of the season in good shape,” said Pedri.

Three-time European champions and 2010 World Cup winners Spain and Croatia – who reached the 2018 World Cup final and 2022 semi-finals – know each other well. The Spaniards defeated the Croats in extra time in the last 16 at Euro 2020. Croatia did, however, beat Spain 2-1 in the group stage at Euro 2016 to top the group ahead of them.

“We played them many times and we know what kind of football Spain like to play, they like possession and lulling the opposition to sleep,” Croatia striker Ante Budimir said.

“They can be very quick and vertical at any time. As a team, they are nice to watch and easy to enjoy. They have a lot of young players who can make a difference. A very talented and dangerous team.”

More recently, Spain defeated Croatia on penalties in the Nations League final in June 2023 to win their first trophy since Euro 2012.

The goal-less draw over 120 minutes exemplified how evenly matched the teams are, although Spain were without Pedri because of his fitness state at the time.

So if he can get the better of Modric and Croatia in Berlin’s Olympiastadion, Spain will begin to believe they have what it takes to make it back there a month later for the final on July 14.
AFP, REUTERS