Spanish media were full of praise for Pedri following Barcelona's Champions League victory over Stade Brest, and they focused on Frenkie de Jong's role at Barça after the match. The midfielder entered the game as a substitute shortly before the final whistle.
"The spectators will not soon forget Pedri's incredible performance at Montjuïc," writes Mundo Deportivo. "Pedri may have played the perfect match. It felt as though Hansi Flick substituted him late on so everyone could give him a round of applause. It was a performance reminiscent of Andrés Iniesta, Pedri's childhood idol, during his prime."
Pedri's masterclass against Brest in the Champions League was not just a pivotal moment in the game but a symbolic one for the 20-year-old midfielder, who continues to cement his status as one of Barcelona's most vital players. His ability to dictate the tempo, create chances, and remain calm under pressure was evident throughout the match. This performance has not only drawn comparisons to the legendary Iniesta but also reaffirmed Pedri's place as a cornerstone of Barça's future.
However, the night wasn’t as celebratory for everyone. While Pedri left the pitch to resounding applause, the mood shifted as Frenkie de Jong replaced him. A section of the crowd jeered, a reaction that highlighted the shifting dynamics in Barcelona's midfield and the uncertainty surrounding the Dutchman’s role in the team. Frenkie de Jong, once regarded as an indispensable player, now finds himself facing significant challenges to regain his place in the starting lineup. According to Sport, the match against Brest exposed the reality that De Jong’s position in the midfield hierarchy is no longer guaranteed. "The Dutch international must now contend with an increasingly competitive environment," the publication noted, "as Hansi Flick continues to build his team around a younger and more dynamic midfield."
The rise of players like Marc Casadó, Fermín López, and, of course, Pedri, has complicated matters for De Jong. "Flick has a problem to solve with Frenkie de Jong," Sport added. "The German coach now has blind trust in Marc Casadó." Casadó’s emergence as a reliable figure in midfield has been one of the standout stories of the season. At just 19, he has shown composure and maturity beyond his years, making him a key figure in Flick's tactical setup. His partnership with Pedri has been especially fruitful, as the duo complements each other’s strengths Casadó providing the defensive stability and Pedri orchestrating the attack.
With seven midfielders competing for just three positions, the competition within the squad is fiercer than ever. Flick now has Fermín López and Gavi back from injury, and their return only adds to De Jong’s dilemma. "Fermín’s work rate and Gavi’s intensity make them almost undroppable," noted Mundo Deportivo. "Meanwhile, Pedri, alongside Casadó, is showing more creativity than ever." De Jong’s situation was further compounded when Pablo Torre, another emerging talent, was brought on before him as a substitute for Fermín. It was a clear indication that De Jong’s influence in the team has waned, at least for now. "It’s clear that Frenkie is not yet back to his best," Sport concluded.
Beyond Pedri’s brilliance, another young star stole the spotlight: 17-year-old defender Pau Cubarsí. Making his Champions League debut, Cubarsí was a revelation at the back, delivering a flawless performance that earned him UEFA's Man of the Match award. "Cubarsí’s performance bordered on perfection. He didn’t lose a single ball," reported AS. His ability to read the game, combined with his calmness under pressure, belied his age and inexperience. Cubarsí’s emergence has provided a welcome boost for Barcelona’s defense, which has struggled for consistency at times this season. The teenager’s display against Brest is already being heralded as a glimpse of Barcelona’s defensive future.
For Barcelona, the 1-0 victory over Brest at Montjuïc came as a much-needed reprieve following two challenging away matches. A narrow 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad and a 2-2 draw against Celta de Vigo had raised questions about the team’s form, particularly in high-stakes matches. Marca noted that Montjuïc has become a fortress for Barça this season, with the team maintaining an unbeaten record at the Estadi Olímpic. "Montjuïc cures all of Barcelona’s ailments," the newspaper wrote. The home ground, while initially met with skepticism due to its unfamiliarity, has turned into a source of stability for the team.
Looking ahead, the victory against Brest is more than just three points it’s a sign of the team’s evolution under Hansi Flick. With a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, Barcelona is navigating a period of transition. However, questions remain, particularly about the role of veterans like Frenkie de Jong. Will he adapt to the changing dynamics, or will his time at Barcelona be overshadowed by the rise of a new generation? For now, one thing is clear: players like Pedri and Cubarsí are leading the charge into a promising future.
