Jules Kounde, Barcelona’s defender, has openly expressed his admiration for teammate Pedri during the international break. According to Mundo Deportivo, Kounde named the 23-year-old midfielder as his favorite player in the team, emphasizing that Pedri operates on a completely different level.
The Frenchman highlighted Pedri’s innate technique, impressive two-footed ability, incredible vision, and versatility to pivot both right and left. Kounde also shone a light on the often overlooked parts of Pedri’s game — his relentless defensive work off the ball. He mentioned that last season Pedri was the player who recovered the most balls across Europe.
Moreover, Kounde stressed Pedri’s physical endurance, noting that the midfielder covers around 12 kilometers per match, simultaneously regaining possession, driving the team forward, distributing passes, and breaking through the opponent's defensive lines. Kounde praised not only Pedri’s match performance but also his dedication in training and overall effort, making him truly brilliant.
During a live streaming event, Kounde also mentioned young talent Lamine Yamal, joking about how Yamal sometimes teases him about a goal scored against France.
Currently, Kounde is sidelined with an injury and expected to return to the squad after the international break, while Pedri is away with Spain’s national team for friendlies. Kounde’s words provide insight into how highly the club values Pedri’s unique combination of technical skill and physical commitment.
For Barcelona fans, Kounde’s praise confirms that Pedri isn’t just a gifted player but a vital engine for the team, whose blend of skill and relentless effort is key to the club’s style and success on the pitch.
