Why Pedro Has Been Barcelona's Most Disappointing Player This Season
When Pedro first burst onto the scene at Barcelona, there was a ton of excitement. He played a big role under Pep Guardiola, helping the Catalans win several trophies and Barcelona to become one of the greatest teams in the history of football.
Now at 27 years old, Pedro should be hitting his prime and doing more than ever for La Blaugrana, but he isnāt. In fact, he has been the clubās most disappointing player of the season thus far, and that doesnāt look to be changing anytime soon.
To begin with, Pedroās style of play has changed over recent years, which has made him less of an asset for Barcelona. He used to be known for tracking back defensively and never being afraid to do the dirty work, but that is something he is rarely seen doing these days.
Without his defensive contribution, Pedro simply isnāt the same player that he used to be for Barcelona. However, his lack of helping out without the ball isnāt his only flaw this season.
Playing on a team with Lionel Messi automatically makes those like Pedro second-tier scorers. The 27-year-old has thrived in that role in the past but is greatly struggling to be utilized this season.
In the past, Pedro has always been able to create chances with his passing and crossing ability while also popping up every now and then with a goal or two. Heās had a knack for putting himself in the right positions to make something happen, but that's not happening this season.
According to WhoScored.com, Pedro is averaging 0.5 key passes per game and only 1.5 shots per game. He has managed to score only one goal this season, and that came in a 5-0 rout of Levante last month.
Truth be told, Pedro just isnāt doing what he used to do for La Blaugrana. He has looked lost in Luis Enriqueās system this season, and his time is quickly running out.
With young stars like Munir El Haddadi, Sandro Ramirez and Adama Traore waiting in the wings, pun intended, Pedroās competition has never been stiffer. He hasnāt been himself for a while now, and it has become worrying for the Catalan club.
Perhaps all of this stems from Pedro trying to learn a new system this season. Enrique has made several changes to the Barcelona scheme, and maybe Pedro is simply struggling with finding a rhythm.
His form for Spain has not dipped like it has for Barcelona, which could prove that it may in fact be changes at the club level that have brought on his struggles. Regardless, Pedro must get back on his feet soon if he wants to continue at Barcelona.
The time of Luis Suarez is nearly upon us, and that means that Pedro will see even less time on the pitch. He must take advantage of the matches he sees over the next few months to remain an important part of this squad, though his days of being a regular starter already look over.
All hope is not lost for Pedro; after all, he has won basically everything for Barcelona. He is an experienced winger who has shown that he can do it all. He is now facing a very tough time in his career, and the eyes of Barcelona fans are closely watching to see if the old Pedro can return to the Camp Nou.
Why has Pedro been disappointing this season? Is his time at Barcelona coming to an end? Leave your thoughts and comments below!
