Numbers behind Barcelona superstar’s stunning performance vs Atletico Madrid

It has never really been in doubt, but Barcelona’s game against Atletico Madrid last night once again confirmed what is now common knowledge – that Pedri is absolutely indispensable to this Barcelona side.

The midfielder was out through injury for over a month after El Clasico and the period that ensued saw the team clearly feel his absence. While Frenkie de Jong did largely well to cover, it was clear that the Catalans missed the control Pedri brings.

He made his return to the field in the team’s game against Deportivo Alaves and looked promising in his cameo. Last night, he made his first start since returning and absolutely delivered a leader’s performance.

Too good to be true

Pedri’s performance against Atletico Madrid saw him return to his astronomically high standards, and it did not seem until the time he was taken off that he was ever in trouble.

The 23-year-old eventually asked to be taken off due to fatigue, but only after the damage had already been done.

In 74 minutes against the Colchoneros, Pedri completed 60 of his 64 attempted passes with a 94% completion rate. Of that, he connected 14 times with his teammates in the final third. Further, he also completed three dribbles against Diego Simeone’s side.

Concurrently, the Canary Islander also put in a monumental defensive shift as he made two tackles, won seven ground duels and was only second to Lamine Yamal in terms of ball recoveries with eight to the teenager’s nine.

The midfielder racked up three key passes and created one big chance against Los Rojiblancos, and delivered the assist for Raphinha’s equaliser with a great vertical ball to set him free into space. Notably, he also set up the play that eventually led to Dani Olmo’s goal.

The stadium rose in his support and chanted his name unendingly last night, and it is clear that he is one of the most loved players of the team. His performances, needless to say, show exactly why.