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Topics: Jack Grealish, Champions League, Everton, Barcelona, Newcastle United
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Jack Grealish, Champions League, Everton, Barcelona, Newcastle United
Jack Grealish took to social media after witnessing a midfield masterclass from Pedri and Frenkie de Jong during Thursday's Champions League clash between Newcastle and Barcelona.
The Catalan side recorded a 2-1 win over their Premier League opponents as a brace from summer signing Marcus Rashford secured all three points.
Rashford, who joined Barca from Manchester United in July on a season-long loan deal that includes an option to buy for around £30 million, grabbed the headlines with his match-winning display at St James' Park.
After a slow start to proceedings, Hansi Flick's side dominated for much of the second half as Pedri and Frenkie de Jong controlled every aspect of the game from the middle of the park.
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Such was his impact on proceedings, Paul Scholes named Pedri "his new favourite footballer", while many Newcastle fans who attended the game described him as the best player they've seen live.
Manchester City midfielder Jack Grealish, who is currently on loan at Everton, also praised the Spain international and his club teammate.
Taking to his Instagram story with 10 minutes remaining of the game, Grealish took a picture of his TV and captioned the post: "Pedri and Frenkie de Jong are a joy to watch [clapping emoji]".
After the full-time whistle, Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon commented on the performances of Pedri and De Jong.
“Really tough game,” he told TNT Sports. “Top team. I felt we had the better moments, but they kept possession. They made it really difficult for us to do our usual press, and they controlled the game through that.
“They did very well at keeping the ball. Pedri and de Jong were fantastic."
Gordon continued: “It’s a top level. Rashford scored two goals out of nowhere. It’s got to be the same for us and take the opportunities when they’re presented to us.
“That’s natural, being human beings, 2-0 down to Barca feels like an uphill battle. We got the goal, which is a testament to our mentality. We were knackered."
“We can be proud of how we played," the England international added. "We gave it our best against one of the top teams on the planet. I didn’t think there was much in the game. We had the better moments but we need to put them away."