Pedri hailed as ‘unbelievable’ by Barcelona team-mates after Atletico win

Gabriel Jesus was caught on camera struggling to contain his admiration for Pedri during Barcelona’s 2-1 victory over Atletico de Madrid at Wembleyano.

The Brazil forward summed up the mood among Barcelona’s players with a comment that quickly became a talking point around the club: “What a player, he’s unbelievable!”

Pedri produced another outstanding display in a match that underlined his importance to Barcelona and earned praise from his team-mates before the final whistle. His influence was particularly evident as the Catalan side recovered from a difficult opening half and took control of the game.

Cameras from Movistar Plus captured a conversation between Gabriel Jesus and Alejandro Balde on the Barcelona bench while the match was being played. The pair discussed Pedri’s contribution as the midfielder from the Canary Islands helped dictate the contest against Atletico de Madrid.

According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Gabriel Jesus said: “What a player Pedri is! He’s unbelievable.”

Balde agreed with his team-mate, offering his own assessment of the midfielder’s ability. “He’s a really great player, brother,” he said.

The exchange reflected the quality of Pedri’s performance rather than being a moment of casual praise. Barcelona had found the first half difficult, but the Tenerife-born midfielder assumed greater responsibility after the break, helping to organise the team’s play and control the rhythm of the match.

With Pedri directing the game from midfield, Barcelona were able to impose their possession-based style more effectively. Their control increased as the second half progressed, allowing them to change the course of the match and secure victory over one of the toughest opponents in the Spanish league.

His role extended beyond retaining possession. Pedri provided the composure and direction Barcelona needed when the match became demanding, giving his team-mates a reliable outlet and helping the side move the ball with greater purpose.

That is why his influence is regarded so highly within the Barcelona squad. When the Canary Islands player is on the pitch, his team-mates believe the game becomes easier to manage.

The performance at Wembleyano offered another example of Pedri’s importance to Barcelona. He was not simply operating as a midfielder; he was the player setting the tempo, organising the team’s approach and helping to shape the outcome of the match.

For Gabriel Jesus and Balde, the verdict was clear. Pedri’s display was good enough to prompt spontaneous praise from the substitutes’ bench, while Barcelona’s response after half-time provided another indication of the central role he plays in the team.