As Italy and Spain played out a thrilling first half in the Euro 2020 semi-final on Tuesday night, one of the shining lights at Wembley was Pedri.
The 18-year-old dictated the match from the first whistle in a complete performance, as he caught the eye of a host of high-profile viewers from around the world.
Former England striker Gary Lineker waxed lyrical about the Barcelona midfielder just 25 minutes into the half.
“Pedri is soooo good,” Lineker tweeted.
“Absolute superstar in the making.
“Gorgeous footballer.”
Pedri is soooo good. Absolute superstar in the making. Gorgeous footballer.
? Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 6, 2021
Shortly after, Rory Smith of the New York Times stated that he believes it is a matter of time before Pedri wins his first Ballon D’Or.
“How many Ballons D’Or do we think Pedri wins, providing he stays away from major injuries?,” Smith said.
“My instinct is three, but it could be as many as “All of Them.”
How many Ballons DOr do we think Pedri wins, providing he stays away from major injuries? My instinct is three, but it could be as many as “All of Them.”
– Rory Smith (@RorySmith) July 6, 2021
He also received praise from former Argentine player Diego Latorre for his role in controlling the midfield in the first half.
“[Sergio] Busquets, Pedro and Koke dominated the midfield and cancelled out Italy’s supply lines,” Latorre said.
