"Closest thing we have to Iniesta", "Way better than Bellingham" - Fans hail Barcelona star after their 5-1 win over Sevilla

Barcelona fans on social media reacted in awe to Pedri's performance in their 5-1 win over Sevilla in LaLiga on Sunday (October 20). The Spanish midfielder scored La Blaugrana's second goal (28') of the match, assisted by Lamine Yamal.

Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring for the hosts via a penalty in the 24th minute. Four minutes later, Lamine Yamal delivered a through ball to an approaching Pedri at the edge of the penalty box. The midfielder produced an inch-perfect right-footed curler to double the lead.

Another goal from Robert Lewandowski (39'), followed by a brace by substitute Pablo Torre (82' and 88') sealed the win for Barcelona. Sevilla's Stanis Idumbo Muzambo scored (87') a consolation goal for Sevilla.

Culers took to X after the win to appreciate Pedri's impressive performance in the game, with many comparing him to Blaugrana legend Andres Iniesta. One user wrote:

"Pedri is a delight to watch. Don’t know how people can’t appreciate him. Absolute genius. Closest thing we have to Iniesta."

"Pedri! What a baller," another fan agreed.

"Pedri is dropping an absolute world class performance against Sevilla," a user added.

"I will pick a fully fit Pedri over every midfielder in the world, he is clear of everyone," a person opined.

One netizen compared the Spaniard to Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham, and wrote:

"Said it before and I’ll say it again. Pedri is way better than Bellingham, if you watch football with your eyes you can see why."

"Pedri is legitimately one of the best midfielders in the world as of right now," a Culer mentioned.

"This pedri masterclass man," another fan exclaimed.

"Can't believe they compared Pedri to Jude Bellingham," a fan joked.

Pedri was one of the best players for Barcelona in the game, maintaining a 97% passing accuracy and playing three key passes. He created one big chance and delivered seven successful long balls out of eight attempts.

All numbers are as per SofaScore as of writing and are subject to change.

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"I'm so proud of Gavi" - Barcelona midfielder Pedri talks about teammate Gavi's return after 5-1 win over Sevilla

Gavi and Pedri - Source: Getty

In the 83rd minute, Barcelona midfielder Pedri was subbed off for Gavi, who returned to the pitch after missing 11 months of action. The Spaniard had picked up an ACL injury during international duty with Spain in November 2023.

Fans at the Estadi Olímpic de Montjuic cheered on as Pedri handed Gavi his captain's armband when the latter replaced him. Speaking in the post-match press conference, Pedri said (via Barca Universal):

"I'm so proud of Gavi. You can tell that the fans love him. We love him. Everyone loves him."

The 20-year-old had joined Barcelona's famed La Masia academy at the age of 11 and made his senior debut in August 2021 in a LaLiga match against Getafe. He has made 112 appearances across competitions for the Catalans, scoring seven goals and giving 14 assists. The talented midfielder also has 27 caps for Spain, scoring five goals.