Michael Laudrup addresses Pedri comparisons

Barcelona fans and many more besides were left drooling on Thursday night, following Pedri’s brilliant goal against Galatasaray.

In one of the most hostile atmospheres in the competition, Pedri showed supreme composure to dummy two defenders before slotting the ball into the net.

Former Barcelona player Michael Laudrup was a classy midfielder in his own right, retaining a place in the hearts of many fans to this day. Speaking to RAC1 radio station, Michael Laudrup was asked if he saw any similarities between the himself and Pedri, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.

“I saw his goal and it was impressive to see such a young player with such coldness inside the area. He has a lot to his game. I am thankful because I left football 24 years ago and I still hear comparisons with me. Whether we are similar or not I will leave to others.”

Laudrup is one of the few players to have played for both Real Madrid and Barcelona, yet was never treated with the hostility that others like Luis Figo received. Speaking more generally about the middle of the pitch at Camp Nou, the Dane had this to say.

“The past year Pedri played a lot and had to have a dip but he’s come back very well. Then there’s Gavi, Frenkie and also Busquets. The whole centre of the pitch has improved and above all, in the defensive sense.”