Mel on Barcelona superkid: Messi the matchwinner; Pedri controls the tempo | OneFootball

Las Palmas coach Pepe Mel has again sung the praises of Barcelona superkid Pedri.

Spain's Euro 2020 star only left Las Palmas and Mel a year ago to join Barca. It was with Las Palmas where Pedri was handed a first team debut by Mel before making the move to the Blaugrana last summer. Under Mel, Pedri played 37 games in a full season of first team football for 2019/20.

Via Mundo Deportivo, Mel said on SER Cataluyna, "At 18 years old it is something abnormal, he is the greatest talent I have trained at that age.

"If I want someone to solve a match for the player I would choose, it would be Leo Messi, but if I have to choose one to impose the 'tempo' of the match, I choose Pedri."

Mel admits he is eager to see how Pedri develops as a Barca player and wonders what his limit is.

He added: "He is still a beardless boy whom I really want to see what this footballer is capable of when he is the age of a mature Iniesta or a mature Xavi.

"On Monday we already saw Modric at his age and we saw Pedri at 18, well imagine..."

Last season, the midfielder managed 52 appearances for Barca, scoring four goals and producing six assists. Pedri is now with Spain preparing for their Euro 2020 quarterfinal. The teen has started all four of Spain's games at the tournament.

Las Palmas, meanwhile, finished in ninth position in the Segunda Division, with Mel remaining in charge.

- updated June 30