Pedri backed for future Ballon d'Or after latest stunner for Barcelona

Kyle Bonn

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Pedri backed for future Ballon d'Or after latest stunner for Barcelona image

Calls for a Ballon d'Or in Pedri's future are not new, but they received renewed energy after the Spanish youngster scored a stunning solo goal for Barcelona against Sevilla on Sunday.

Still just 19 years old, Pedri has become a critical midfield component of both Barcelona and the Spanish national team, but while his main contributions remain his passing and ball progression, his goalscoring has become an added bonus to a toolbox already bursting at the seams.

Against Sevilla, Pedri's contributions were numerous, losing possession just 13 times among 79 touches and completing 85 per cent of his passes, including five of six successful long balls. He also won seven of his 12 ground duels, a total which included four tackles and a successful dribble.

Yet it was the goal that gave Barcelona a 1-0 victory over Sevilla and had everyone talking.

The finish was only half the battle, as fans were treated to Pedri's dummy and fake shot that sent two Sevilla defenders for a hot dog and beer at the Camp Nou concession stand. Eventually, he fired low past Yassine Bounou to give Barcelona a late lead in the 72nd minute.

The goal even seemed to give Barcelona manager Xavi goosebumps, as the former Barcelona star — a midfield legend in his own right — exploded into a show of passion on the touchline.

The win was a deserved one for Barcelona, which ripped off 19 shots to Sevilla's 8 and put together a 1.99 expected goals total.

The hosts created two other big chances in the match which did not produce a goal, with Frenkie de Jong missing a 12th minute header right on the doorstep, plus Ferran Torres and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang came up empty on good opportunities inside the penalty area as well.

Still, Pedri's goal inspired the victory, which launched Barcelona all the way up to second in the La Liga table, past Atletico Madrid and opponents Sevilla on goal difference.

Their table position is a far cry from months ago when Barcelona languished well outside the top four, while also failing to qualify for the Champions League knockout stage.

Pedri has brought fans — and his Barcelona teammates — to their Ballon d'Or senses many times over the past few weeks, and this goal simply renewed those calls.

Kyle Bonn

Kyle Bonn Photo

Kyle Bonn, is a Syracuse University broadcast journalism graduate with over a decade of experience covering soccer globally. Kyle specializes in soccer tactics and betting, with a degree in data analytics. Kyle also does TV broadcasts for Wake Forest soccer, and has had previous stops with NBC Soccer and IMG College. When not covering the game, he has long enjoyed loyalty to the New York Giants, Yankees, and Fulham. Kyle enjoys playing racquetball and video games when not watching or covering sports.