Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has publicly praised Barcelona midfielder Pedri, calling him his “new favourite footballer” after the youngster’s standout performance against Newcastle United in the UEFA Champions League.
The former England international, widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders of his generation, shared his admiration on Instagram with a photo of Pedri wearing Barcelona’s iconic No. 8 shirt. Scholes captioned it: “My new favourite footballer ❤️”, highlighting the growing respect Pedri is commanding across Europe.
Pedri, who hails from Tenerife, has been instrumental for Barcelona in recent seasons, earning comparisons with legends such as Andrés Iniesta and Xavi Hernández. His vision, composure on the ball, and ability to dictate play in midfield have made him a key figure for both club and country at a very short age.
Scholes’ endorsement adds further weight to Pedri’s reputation, especially coming from a player who epitomized midfield excellence during his two-decade career at Old Trafford. Known for his passing range, intelligence, and influence in central areas, Scholes sees qualities in Pedri that mirror his own style of play.