Pedri González has emerged as a pivotal figure for Barcelona this season, particularly under the guidance of new manager Hansi Flick. The young Spanish midfielder's influence has been instrumental in Barcelona's resurgence, showcasing his exceptional talent and adaptability to Flick's tactical system.

Under Flick's leadership, Barcelona has adopted a more dynamic and aggressive playing style, with Pedri at the heart of this transformation. The 22-year-old has thrived in Flick's system, which emphasizes an advanced defensive line and quick transitions. Pedri's ability to read the game and his technical prowess have made him an ideal fit for this high-intensity approach.

In the recent match against Brest, Pedri's performance exemplified his growing influence. Playing 88 minutes, he demonstrated his versatility by excelling in a double pivot role alongside Marc Casadó, showcasing his defensive capabilities and creative flair. His statistics from this game are awe-inspiring:

• 90% success rate with short passes
• 4 out of 4 successful dribbles
• 12 out of 15 ground duels won
• 12 out of 16 long passes completed
• 5 fouls drawn (joint-highest with Robert Lewandowski)

These numbers highlight Pedri's all-around contribution, from ball retention and progression to creating attacking opportunities and drawing fouls in dangerous areas.

Flick's trust in young talent has been a defining feature of his tenure at Barcelona, and Pedri has been a prime beneficiary. The coach's commitment to nurturing home-grown talent has given Pedri the confidence to express himself on the field. As Pedri himself noted, "The confidence that the coach gives to all the young players that are coming up, they give it back with good play. This allows them to gain confidence and have more freedom to dare to try out things."

Barcelona's success this season can be largely attributed to this faith in youth, with the team boasting the youngest average age in La Liga at 23.6 years. Pedri's role in this youthful revolution cannot be overstated. His performances have not only elevated Barcelona's play but have also inspired his young teammates to rise to the occasion.

The midfielder's influence extends beyond domestic competitions. In Barcelona's recent 4-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League, Pedri was part of a starting lineup that featured six players from the club's youth academy. This match showcased Barcelona's commitment to their La Masia philosophy and Pedri's ability to perform at the highest level of European football.

Pedri's journey this season is even more remarkable considering the challenges he has faced in recent years. After an intense 2020-21 season in which he played an astonishing 73 games for club and country, Pedri suffered a series of muscle injuries that limited his playing time. However, under Flick's management, Pedri has found the continuity he lacked in previous seasons, allowing him to showcase his full potential consistently.

The Spaniard's impact on Barcelona's tactics is multifaceted. His exceptional vision and ball control allow him to dictate the tempo of the game, while his work rate and tactical intelligence make him equally valuable in defensive situations. Flick's system, which often employs an asymmetrical midfield, has allowed Pedri to flourish in various roles, from a deep-lying playmaker to a more advanced attacking midfielder.

Pedri's influence on Barcelona this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. His ability to adapt to Flick's demanding tactical system, combined with his natural talent and work ethic, has elevated him to new heights. The statistics speak for themselves, but it's Pedri's overall impact on the team's play that truly sets him apart. His vision, technical skills, and tactical intelligence have made him the linchpin of Barcelona's midfield and a key factor in their success this season.

Given his performances, consistent impact, and ability to excel in various tactical setups, it's not an exaggeration to say that Pedri is currently the best midfielder in the world. His influence on Barcelona's play, coupled with his age and potential for further growth, makes him a truly exceptional talent in global football.