Barcelona Would Be Foolish to Sell Dedicated, Sacrificial Pedro

Pedro Rodriguez last started for Barcelona on February 15 against Levante. He was exceptional.

Exchanging positions with Neymar as Lionel Messi operated mostly from the right, the attacker provided energy, shots and defensive conscience as his side cruised to a 5-0 victory at Camp Nou.

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It was the first time he had played from the opening whistle since the end of January, when he scored at Elche. He found the back of the net in his start before that as well.

In fact, Pedro has scored seven goals in the last eight matches he's started, going back to the beginning of December. And yet, according to Moises Llorens of AS, his club are set to let him go for €30 million during the summer.

Chelsea and Manchester United are thought to be interested in his services. Ditto for Arsenal, where former team-mate Alexis Sanchez is enjoying a standout season.

And given his lack of minutes at Barcelona under manager Luis Enrique, it's likely the 27-year-old will seriously mull over the bids that come in.

"

Chelsea, Man United and Arsenal are interested in Pedro (27). Player would prefer Arsenal. Barcelona willing to let him go for 25-30M. [as]

— barcastuff (@barcastuff) March 2, 2015"

"It's difficult for those who don't play that much and we all hope for an opportunity," he told AS (h/t Football Espana) following the Levante match. "I'm training well and it's logical that everyone wants more opportunities when not playing. I give everything when I am on the field and playing."

That he has, and yet he has begun just 11 of Barcelona's 25 Primera Division matches this term.

Last month, as reported by ESPN FC, he admitted he'd address his situation with the club's administration in the spring, although he also claimed he was happy to fight for his place and would even be willing to be used as a right-back.

"It's not my natural position, but if they want me to convert I'll be happy to do it," he said.

Sang Tan/Associated Press/Associated Press

Talk about a team-first contributor, never mind one with an excellent return from minutes played this season and a history of success that includes four titles, two Champions League titles, a UEFA European Championship and a World Cup title.

Barcelona would be foolish to sell him, especially since they can't position themselves as buyers on the transfer market until next January.

A new contract would be far more sensible—his current deal expires in 15 months—as would increased playing time in Luis Enrique's setup.

The previous two campaigns, after all, have revealed the cost of overusing Messi, who seemed to break down somewhat at the end of each of them. The four-time Ballon d'Or winner should not, and cannot be expected to, play every minute of every match—something that will only become clearer as he continues to age.

Retaining Pedro would allow Barcelona the opportunity for rotation among the forward line—at least more than they've permitted themselves to this point.

You get the sense he's eager to stay in the Catalan capital, and what he can add to the team almost certainly outweighs whatever they'd gain in selling him.

Barcelona have a committed, sacrificial difference-maker in Pedro, and it's at Barcelona that he should remain.

Follow @jerradpeters