Pedri is 'new Iniesta', broke Rooney record and has "special" Messi connection

There are few footballers in the world with the same exciting possibilities as Barcelona midfielder Pedri.

The 18-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise since joining the La Liga giants from Las Palmas in September 2020.

Pedri made 52 Barcelona appearances in all competitions during his debut season, proving his first-team quality to manager Ronald Koeman.

His performances certainly haven't gone unnoticed and have led comparisons being made with Barcelona great Andres Iniesta.

The man who discovered Iniesta, Albert Benaiges, is not surprised to have heard such claims as he compared the similarities between the Spanish duo.

"He is intelligent. Technically he is very good and although he is not aggressive he works hard. In that sense he is a lot like Andres. And they are alike in the way they are as people. They way the get along with team-mates inside the dressing room," said Benaiges.

Operating in the same side as Lionel Messi has been a memorable experience for Pedri, though it appears as though the Argentinian international is equally as pleased to have the youngster in the Barcelona ranks.

Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet believes the pair have a "special feeling", meanwhile Koeman also praised their effective sense of understanding on the pitch.

"Messi is happy, you can see," said the Dutchman.

"He plays better with good players around him. Pedri is good between the lines and combines well with Leo."

As for Pedri himself, there is no greater honour than sharing the pitch with Barcelona's greatest player.

Should the 18-year-old tee up Mess in a match, there is usually only one eventual outcome.

"I enjoy it; to see him and what he is capable of doing. It is like that in games and in training sessions. Being able to share moments with him is incredible. I always look for him on the pitch because he always knows what he is doing," expressed Pedri.

How impressed have you been by Pedri at Euro 2020? Comment below.

"He has always tried to find me and tells me to put myself between the lines because he is going to find me. I look for him, I give him passes because he is the one who can create danger."

It's not only at club level where Pedri is shining brightly, however.

He was named in Luis Enrique's Spanish squad for Euro 2020 and has not missed a single minute of action at the current tournament.

By holding down his starting place in La Roja's 5-3 Round of 16 win versus Croatia this afternoon, he broke a long-standing record held by Wayne Rooney.

At 18 years and 215 days old, Pedri became the youngest player to ever be named in a starting-eleven for a European Championship knockout game.

This accolade was previously held by Rooney, who featured for England against Portugal in 2004 at 18 years 244 days old.

It's clear that the future is bright for the Barcelona star, who could well become a name many more become used to hearing in the years to come.