Pedri has not looked as influential for Spain as he usually does for Barcelona, with the team having an indifferent start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
What happened?
The former Barcelona manager Quique Setien analysed Pedri's group-stage performances and suggested that Spain are not getting the best out of the Canary Islander.
Pedri began the World Cup in a more advanced role, almost as a number 10, and that did not help Spain against Cape Verde's low block.
Why it matters for Pedri
Setien pointed to the lack of precision around Pedri, saying "Rodri, Fabian or players who can play in that position lack precision to filter passes in such reduced spaces when opponents sit deep".
Pedri has not been very influential for Spain at the World Cup, and his substitution in the 60th minute against Uruguay raised doubts about his role in the team.
What comes next?
Spain face Austria in the Round of 32, and if they want to chase the second star, Pedri must become central again, according to Setien.
At Barcelona, Hansi Flick has understood that Pedri's influence grows when the team gives him constant contact with the ball, and Spain need to do the same if they want him to decide knockout matches.
Pedri is at his best when he is close to the base of play, touching the ball often, connecting lines and choosing the right moment to accelerate.
Setien also questioned Spain's full-back mechanisms, saying "Llorente and Cucurella do not understand the position too well either".
The coach believes that these mechanisms cannot be changed overnight, and Spain need to figure out how to best use Pedri.
Pedri plays in a structure at Barcelona where his teammates understand his pauses, body shape, receiving angles and timing, but with Spain, the rhythm has not looked quite as natural.
Barcelona already know what happens when Pedri runs the game, and Spain need to remember it quickly if they want to succeed in the World Cup.