The 22-year-old midfielder played a key role in Barcelona winning the treble last season and also helped Spain reach the final of the UEFA Nations League.
But he didn’t crack the top 10 in the Ballon d’Or, finishing just behind Paris Saint-Germain duo Nuno Mendes and Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Ballon d’Or Feminin winner Aitana Bonmati was among those suggesting Pedri was deserving of a higher spot, saying: “The Ballon d’Or went to (Ousmane) Dembele, and he is a wonderful player. Raphinha and Lamine (Yamal) are wonderful players too. But we must talk more about Pedri.”
“If she’s saying it, we must listen to her because she’s a three-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“I feel valued at my club and in the national team. That’s what matters most. I have the fans’ affection.”
Bonmati was not alone in praising Pedri.
“Whenever a legend like Scholes praises you or compares you with the greats, it’s nice,” said Pedri.
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“It’s an added motivation. It’s tough to be Xavi or Andres, though, because the level they produced for so many years was incredible.”
Barcelona will be looking to make it two wins from two in the Champions League league phase when they host PSG.
The two sides last met in the 2023/24 quarter-finals when PSG recovered from a 3-2 first-leg loss to win 6-4 on aggregate.
Pedri, who was part of the Barca side that lost the second leg 4-1 after a red card to Ronald Araujo, said: “It was a tough game and we want to avenge that defeat.
“They are one of the best teams in the world and these are the games you want to play. We will go out to enjoy ourselves.
“It’s also much better for us when we face teams that press us, like PSG, rather than teams that sit back in a low block.
“I like seeing how they play. (PSG manager) Luis Enrique’s a brave coach who likes to have the ball.”
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Barcelona haven’t reached the final of the Champions League since their last victory in 2015.
They will be looking to make an early statement by defeating defending champions PSG.
“If not the best, it’s one of the best games in club football right now,” said Pedri.
“PSG showed what they are about last season, they are one of best sides in the world, although we consider ourselves the best.”
Lamine Yamal looks set to feature for Barcelona after missing the opening Champions League win over Newcastle with injury.
Yamal came second in the Ballon d’Or voting behind PSG’s Ousmane Dembele and was praised for his display at the weekend as he set up a goal one minute after coming on against Real Sociedad.
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Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick says Yamal must continue to improve amid the hype.
“This super, super, super (stuff)… I don’t like this,” he said. “He’s an outstanding player, but also in the team we have more players like this.
“He’s 18 years old and he has to focus on working hard. With talent, you can go to this point, but to reach the next level – maybe one, two steps more, I think he’s able to do it – he has to work hard.
“It’s not only about playing with the ball, it’s also defending. This is also what we need from every player. It’s also needed from a great player with the ball like him. This makes the difference.”
