Barcelona’s midfield brilliance stole the spotlight in their 2-1 Champions League win over Newcastle, with Pedri and Frenkie de Jong running the show. Jack Grealish labelled the pair “a joy to watch,” while Manchester United legend Paul Scholes called Pedri his “new favourite footballer.” Their dominance set the platform for Marcus Rashford’s decisive brace.
Pedri and De Jong dictate the tempo in Barcelona’s St James’ Park win
The Catalan giants claimed a 2-1 victory over Newcastle thanks to Rashford’s brace, but it was Pedri and De Jong who controlled the rhythm from midfield. The Blaugrana frustrated Eddie Howe’s side with their composure in possession, extinguishing Newcastle’s late push after Anthony Gordon pulled one back in the 90th minute.
AdvertisementScholes names Pedri his 'new favourite' while Grealish hails Barca duo
Scholes declared Pedri his “new favourite footballer,” posting a picture on Instagram of the 22-year-old during the game.
Grealish, currently on loan at Everton, also weighed in. Posting on Instagram during the match, the winger wrote: “Pedri and De Jong are a joy to watch.”instagram/jackgrealish
Midfield masterclass provides the platform for Rashford’s decisive goals
While Rashford stole headlines with his brace, the foundation of Barcelona’s performance came from midfield. Pedri’s incisive passing and ability to link defence and attack paired perfectly with De Jong’s composure and defensive cover. Hansi Flick’s system has the stability to challenge Europe’s elite once again.
The Spaniard consistently found pockets of space to thread passes between the lines, while the Netherlands international offered balance by recycling possession and breaking up counter-attacks. Their chemistry gave Barcelona the control needed to weather Newcastle’s intensity and provided the platform for Rashford to shine in the final third.
AFPGetafe clash up next as Pedri and De Jong aim to replicate dominance
Barca now turn their focus back to La Liga action against Getafe this weekend. The midfield pairing of Pedri and De Jong will once again be central to Flick’s approach, with their control and composure proving decisive.