The start of the season for FC Barcelona has been positive in terms of results, but it also leaves a significant concern within the locker room. The focus isn't on the defense or the attack, but on the midfield. Pedri's role has become so prominent that his absence is a problem of enormous proportions.
The midfielder from Tenerife has established himself in recent years as one of the best in the world. His ability to control the tempo of the game, thread impossible passes, and bring calm in key moments makes him unique. Neither Gavi, nor Frenkie de Jong, nor Dani Olmo manage to replicate the impact the Canary Islander provides.
For Hansi Flick, Pedri is absolutely irreplaceable. The German coach has found that every time the midfielder isn't on the field, Barça loses fluidity. The team stops having control in the middle and struggles to create quality chances. The difference between his presence or absence is clear to anyone who watches the matches.
Flick and the squad's fear
The coaching staff openly acknowledge the dependence that exists around Pedri. The last few seasons, marked by his muscle injuries, have been a clear warning of what happens without him. Flick has already asked the club for a special training plan to prevent him from returning to the infirmary.
The problem is that, as of today, there isn't a natural replacement in the squad. Deco looked in the market for a footballer who could match his profile, but financial fair play made it complicated. Barça couldn't complete any signing that came close to the level of the player from Tenerife.
Inside the locker room, they're also aware of the situation. Some players privately admit that everything changes radically when Pedri is on the field. The game flows naturally, connections with the wingers appear, and chances come more easily.
An indispensable player for the youngsters
Pedri's role isn't limited to football, he's also a silent leader for the youngsters. His understanding with Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres is proving decisive at the start of this season. Both have found in the Canary Islander a partner capable of enhancing their talent and giving them confidence.
For Flick, this chemistry is essential, since it allows him to balance a team with very offensive wingers. Pedri's calmness and vision offset the vertical play of the strikers, creating a key balance. Without him, the squad loses that compass that prevents them from rushing.
The Canary Islander himself has admitted on several occasions that he's aware of the responsibility he has. He knows that Barça's chances in La Liga and Champions will depend on his physical condition. The challenge is to stay healthy and well-managed in a schedule packed with demanding matches.
The challenge of finding alternatives
Flick's priority is to reduce the dependence on Pedri, although he knows it's not an easy task. The coach seeks to share responsibilities so that Gavi, Dani Olmo, or even Fermín López take on more creative weight. It's not about replacing the Canary Islander, but about finding collective solutions to make up for his absence.
Barça also considers other medium-term solutions. Marc Bernal and youngsters from La Masia could be a gradual alternative to help balance the workload. The problem is that no youth player yet has the level required to take on that role at the elite level.
Meanwhile, the pressure falls on Pedri's shoulders. Flick doesn't hide his concern, because he knows that the success of the season will largely depend on his physical condition. The diagnosis in the locker room is clear: Barça lives in anticipation of the Canary Islander, and that's a risk everyone recognizes.