Pedri Had Galatasaray's Defenders Dancing For His Goal Tonight, He's Already A Superstar

Barcelona star Pedri has enhanced his reputation as one of European football's brightest young talents with a superb goal against Galatasaray.

Barcelona travelled to face the Turkish side in the second leg of their Europa League last 16 tie on Thursday night.

They fell behind to a set-piece goal from Marcao after 28 minutes but less than 10 minutes later, Pedri equalised for the visitors with an incredible finish.

After collecting the ball inside the box from former Manchester City forward Ferran Torres, Pedri sat down two Galatasaray defenders with a pair of dummies before calmly finishing in the bottom corner.

Fans on social media were quick to praise the 2021 Golden Boy winner.

“This boy Pedri is going to take over football. What a player he is. Absolutely magical,” wrote one fan on Twitter.

Another added: “A superb equaliser from Pedri. Special talent.”

Barcelona would take the lead in the second half through former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, eventually winning 2-1 on aggregate.

Much of the post-match praise was reserved for Pedri, who has quickly become a key player for both Barcelona and Spain at the age of just 19.

Last summer, he was named in the team of the tournament at Euro 2020 after helping Spain reach the semi-finals.

He signed a new long-term contract with Barcelona in October, keeping him at the Nou Camp until 2026.

The deal included a huge €1bn release clause.

His progress was halted by a hamstring injury in September but he made his comeback in January, with his return to the team coinciding with an upturn in form for Xavi's side.

He has now managed three goals in his 17 appearances this season after scoring against Galatasaray.

Speaking earlier this season, Xavi said there was “no player in the world with as much talent as Pedri”.

“He is absolutely superlative. How he turns, his understanding of space and time and the fact he uses both feet. It is amazing to have him in the team and we must take care of him,” Xavi said, after a 4-1 win over Valencia.

“He came on for half an hour and was important. He makes the difference, in how we play, in the box... he wins balls back.

“Look, he’s not a normal player. There are very few like him. Perhaps, at his age, he is already the best in the world in his position.”