Pedro Rodriguez: My Goals Against Espanyol Were Important for My Place at Barca

Barcelona’s Pedro Rodriguez was on target twice at the weekend in the Catalan derby.

The forward subsequently asserted that his two goals were vital, in view of his chase for a definitive place in the team as a full-time player.

Pedro has been substituted on five occasions in his last five games. He was asked to make way for Alexis Sanchez on Sunday in the 75th minute.

But the Spanish international at least made the most of his playing time, scoring two goals in 12 minutes before the half-hour mark, as he powered the league leaders to a 4-0 victory over their city rivals.

Nevertheless, while his brace may still deserve celebrations, his quest to increase his value in the first team remains a priority.

Earlier on, Pedro had suffered a goal drought—his last goal beforehand being against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup on August 23 last year, at club level.

However, the 25-year-old is willing to make further efforts so as to get the full favor of his manager Tito Vilanova.

Barcelona’s official website quoted Pedro saying on Monday:

"

I certainly was on a negative streak and scoring again was important for my confidence. I am far from having a guaranteed place in the starting line-up.

There are so many of us [in the team] and a lot of competition for places. Now I am lucky enough to be getting chances, but it is the coach who decides.

"

Pedro will be hoping to display yet another fine performance when FC Barcelona host second division side Cordoba in the Spanish Copa del Rey on Thursday.