It seems one of Barcelona's young stars has aimed a slight dig at Real Madrid, praising his team's playing style in the process.
Report: PSG Find Pochettino Replacement
After arriving at the Camp Nou from Las Palmas in 2020, Spain international Pedri Gonzalez hit the ground running. The teenage sensation has been a revelation not just for his club side but for his national team too.
The diminutive midfielder quickly became accustomed to the way in which Barca play, and has become an important player for coach Xavi Hernandez.
The 2021 Golden Boy has now articulated his comfortability with the style of football the former Blaugrana captain wants the team to play, even advocating that it is the only way to win when you play for the Blaugrana, with some having interpreted this as a dig at Los Blancos.
"I would try to play my game wherever I was, but it's true that I would suffer more elsewhere," Pedri told The Guardian.
"Some clubs are satisfied with winning, however they do it.
"Barcelona want to win but to do it playing the ball, creating chances, with this idea. I like this football more.
"Xavi has a very clear idea, model. He is very clear about what each of us have to do.
"The inside midfielders have to be between the lines, the ball moved from one side to the other. The things he did when he played – and it was spectacular watching him – he tries to inculcate in us.
"The interiors have to hold our position. If you get out of position, then when you lose the ball you can't press the way you need to: you won't get there. He also wants the interiors to turn, face the opposition goal."
Despite watching bitter rivals Real win the Supercopa de Espana, LaLiga and UEFA Champions League titles last season, the Catalan giants did inflict a 4-0 defeat on Los Blancos at the Santiago Bernabeu, perhaps an indication of the type of football that will be victorious for the Blaugrana in the future.
Here are 15 of the best players under 21 in Europe right now:
