Real Madrid x Fra𝚗ce. Mbappe, TcҺouame𝚗i, Me𝚗dy, Camavi𝚗ga sҺi𝚗e at Euro Media Day

 

 

 

Facing Modric’s Croatia, Pedri is indispensable for Spain. Despite meeting in the 2018 World Cup final and the 2022 semifinals, Spain triumphed over Croatia in extra time to reach the Euro 2020 semifinals.

Spain’s goalkeeper, Unai Simon, had a stellar tournament, save for an unusual own goal scored by Pedri from fifty yards out.

“I feel that I’m much better than before,” Pedri remarked ahead of Euro 2024. “My first goal against Northern Ireland showed that I’ve put my injuries behind me. I’ve worked hard to reach the end of the season in good shape.”

Spain clinched their first major title since Euro 2012 in June 2023, prevailing over Croatia in the Nations League final via a penalty shootout.

Despite Pedri’s absence due to fitness concerns, the closely contested goalless draw lasted 120 minutes.

Returning from a recent hamstring injury in April, Pedri made a solid impression, assuring De la Fuente of his readiness for the European Championships after missing half of the season due to injury.

His performance against Modric and Croatia at Berlin’s Olympiastadion will bolster defending champions Spain’s hopes of returning for the final on July 14th.

This Saturday’s heavyweight clash in Berlin carries a Clasico atmosphere due to Modric’s enduring influence for Croatia and their midfield rivalry.

Despite the tournament’s formidable quartet comprising Spain, Croatia, Italy, and Albania, La Roja may finally gain the edge they’ve sought if Pedri makes a comeback.

After playing a pivotal role in Spain’s run to the Euro 2020 semifinals, Pedri’s career has been stalled by a series of hamstring issues.

Encouraging signs suggest Pedri may regain his form in the season’s later stages and during Spain’s preseason games.

Last week, in Spain’s final warm-up friendly, the midfielder scored twice in an advanced role during a 5-1 victory over Northern Ireland.

Coach Luis de la Fuente believes the Canary Islander excels in the final third, despite controversy over Pedri’s optimal deployment within Spain.

“He needs to exploit his finishing ability by playing closer to the box, between the lines,” De la Fuente stated, praising Pedri’s determination in overcoming fitness challenges.

Pedri has spoken about how Coach De la Fuente has supported him through injury setbacks, crediting him for being there whenever he needed consolation.

The midfielder’s coach has urged him to continue improving, emphasizing that Pedri’s potential remains untapped.

“Pedri had to find himself; we don’t know his best version because he’s so good, he is infinite,” De la Fuente declared.

“We coaches can instill confidence in players, but it’s up to the player to take the next step forward.”