Xavi Hernandez, the coach of Barcelona, has made an unexpected decision before their Copa del Rey Clasico match against Real Madrid in the first leg of the semi-final at the Santiago Bernabeu. In preparation for the game, Hernandez has included Estanis Pedrola, a 19-year-old talent, in the first-team squad and praised him during a press conference leading up to the match at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Xavi said:
“He’s a player we know from last season. He made his debut against Mallorca.”
“He’s a player who is good in one-on-ones, he’s fast, can score goals, he can cut inside,
he’s in good form.”
Pedrola has earned his spot on the team after an impressive performance with the reserve squad. With top scorer Robert Lewandowski out of commission due to a hamstring injury, leaving him unavailable for the match.
Xavi Hernandez, the Barcelona coach, has limited options for his team’s attack during their trip to the Spanish capital. Only three senior players – Raphinha, Ansu Fati, and Ferran Torres – are available, and to boost his options, he has included Angel Alarcon from Barca Atletic and Estanis Pedrola in the squad.
What made Xavi call for Pedrola?
Estanis Pedrola, who made his debut under Xavi Hernandez in January of last year, may have an opportunity to showcase his talents once again due to the injury situation at Camp Nou. Despite a long period of absence due to a back injury, the 19-year-old has returned to play for the reserves and has been impressive. His two goals for Barca Atletic may have convinced Xavi to select him for the match.
Pedrola said:
“There’s no secret. It’s daily work in training, fighting, believing in one’s self. And you get the results at the weekend. It’s about going bit by bit, adding each day, game by game, and scoring goals to help the team, I feel very comfortable after the injury and touch wood, it stays like this.”
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