‘Andres Iniesta was not like this at 18 years old’: Spain boss Luis Enrique hails ‘unique’ talent Pedri for his brilliant showing at Euro 2020 after the Barcelona midfielder starred again in agonising semi-final defeat by Italy
Luis Enrique paid tribute to ‘unique’ teenage talent Pedri after he finished his first big tournament in tears but having played his way into the hearts of neutrals everywhere.
‘It’s unique what Pedri has done,’ the Spain coach said. ‘People have not seen anything like this before, never. Andres Iniesta was not like this at 18-years-old.
‘We have another 18-year-old in Ansu Fati to come back too. We have to look after these young players.’
Luis Enrique (left) consoled Pedri (right) along with Thiago (centre) after Spain’s defeat
Luis Enrique praised his players after they played an unprecedented third extra-time at the Euros and then went out to Italy.
He said: ‘I feel very proud of them. They have learned a lot. We behaved as a team from start to finish.
‘In extra time they were waiting for penalties, we could have played for another half and hour.
The teenager showed incredible artistry and is a unbelievable talent already
‘It’s a nine out of ten tournament for us. It can’t be ten because we didn’t go through but everyone played their part right down to the players such as Robert Sanchez, David de Gea and Diego Llorente who didn’t get minutes.
‘We wanted everyone to be proud of us and I think we have done that. You can’t ask too much from the fans without giving them something first.’
‘We told the players not to worry too much if they missed their kick. Dani Olmo was incredible.’
Dani Olmo delivered a brilliant performance but missed his penalty in the shootout