Tenerife-born midfielder Pedri believes both he and Spain still have plenty of room for improvement as the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup begin.
The Barcelona star, who was born in Tegueste, says the team has recovered well after a physical group-stage match against Uruguay and is fully focused on reaching the final.
“We know we can improve,” Pedri said. “You’re going to see a better version of me personally, and also of the whole team.”
Feeling stronger as the tournament progresses
The 23-year-old admitted the opening matches of a World Cup are never easy, particularly with the heat and altitude, but insists he is now feeling sharper.
“I feel very good. The first games always take a bit of time, but I’m improving and I just want to keep enjoying my football.”
Pedri also revealed he prefers playing in a deeper midfield role alongside Rodri, where he feels he can influence the game more by facing play and getting on the ball more often.
Backing Rodri despite criticism
The midfielder defended teammate Rodri, who has faced criticism during the tournament.
“Nobody wins the Ballon d’Or by accident,” Pedri said. “He deserves it. People say he’s not playing well, but I don’t see it like that. We all know we have to improve, but we’ll do that.”
Despite mixed performances in the group stage, Pedri insists Spain’s ambitions remain unchanged.
“Our mentality is still to reach the final. From now on there’s no margin for error.”
Praise for Lamine Yamal
Pedri also spoke highly of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, saying the Barcelona winger has returned from injury with confidence and maturity beyond his years.
“He just enjoys playing football. He loves the big games and never hides.”
Asked who he would most like to watch from the stands, Pedri smiled.
“Lamine. Those dribbles…”
Learning from injury
Having missed the closing stages of Spain’s victorious Euro 2024 campaign through injury, Pedri says the experience has helped him grow.
“You learn something from every injury. I’ve changed the way I train with stretching and resistance work, and it suits my body much better now.”
He also regularly watches recordings of his own performances to identify areas for improvement.
A football student
Away from the pitch, Pedri admits he watches football constantly and currently considers Vitinha one of the world’s best midfielders.
“He understands the game so well, rarely loses the ball and never stops moving.”
The Tenerife midfielder also revealed the advice that has stayed with him since childhood.
“My dad always told me: ‘If things aren’t going well, run for the team.’ That’s something I’ve always tried to do.”
As Spain prepare for the knockout rounds, Pedri is hoping this World Cup ends differently for him than Euro 2024.
“I have that little thorn inside me after missing the end of the Euros. Hopefully this World Cup finishes the same way, but this time with me on the pitch.”