Why Pedro Is in Danger of Becoming Barcelona's Forgotten Man

Pedro Rodriguez must be wondering what he has to do to force his way back into Tata Martino's thoughts.

Thirteen goals and eight assists in 18 La Liga games, per whoscored.com, is a fine return for any striker, and on that sort of form he could walk into any other frontline in world football.

Which may be what he is just about to do if John Cross' report in the Daily Mirror is accurate.

Cross notes the interest of Manchester United and Liverpool just before the turn of the year, and whilst a winter move was ruled out, a move to England this summer was seen as far more likely.

Nick Lustig of The Express also believes Arsene Wenger could be interested in taking the flying winger to Arsenal, but with a buyout clause of €125 million, there could be some tough negotiations ahead.

All three clubs will look to Pedro's own desire for first-team football as a potential bargaining tool after an admission by the player that he will "evaluate his future" at the end of the season.

"

My goal is to try and stay at this club where I feel very valued and loved. I am happy with Barcelona, but things have to be evaluated every season.

When you play less you do not feel less important, but it is true that you notice playing fewer minutes and it is different.

"

He's unlikely to find a quick route back into the Barca starting line-up, however.

Whilst Neymar is only easing himself back into the side and was a little off colour in the games against Real Sociedad and Almeria, there is simply no way Tata Martino will countenance leaving the club's record signing on the bench.

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Lionel Messi has struck a rich vein of form again with nine goals in his last eight appearances, and as the fulcrum of this Barcelona side, he is another who is almost indispensable.

Alexis Sanchez is enjoying some of the best form of his career, which has meant the Canary Islander has been forced to sit impatiently on the sidelines.

Yet, if a reminder was needed of Pedro's own importance, with impeccable timing he popped up to score the only goal of the game for Spain in an international friendly vs. Italy this past Wednesday.

The goal capped a fine all-round individual performance, but it is of little comfort if he is unable to deliver the same regularly for the Catalans.

It's an intriguing selection dilemma for Tata Martino and could cast an unwanted shadow over Barca's final couple of months of the season.