Engonga claims Pedri is already better than Iniesta ever was

Barcelona’s golden boy Pedri has received one of the highest compliments imaginable, with former Spanish international Vicente Engonga boldly declaring that the 22-year-old midfielder has already surpassed Andres Iniesta.

The remark has sparked debate across Spain, with fans and pundits weighing in on whether Pedri truly matches or even eclipses the legacy of one of Barcelona’s greatest icons.

Engonga, who represented Spain 14 times and enjoyed a strong club career with Valencia and Mallorca, did not hold back when discussing Pedri’s impact.

“Pedri is the best player I have seen in a long time. He’s like Iniesta, but better. I see a reflection of Iniesta with even more skills. As for the way he plays today, I see Pedri as better than Iniesta,” he declared.

Those words are shocking, given Iniesta’s legendary status as a World Cup winner, European champion, and linchpin of Barcelona’s golden era.

Yet Engonga insists that Pedri’s blend of vision, technical precision, and versatility sets him apart from the midfielders of previous generations.

At just 22, Pedri has already cemented himself as the heartbeat of Barcelona and the Spanish national team’s midfield.

He was instrumental in their 2024/25 La Liga title triumph and carried that form into the new season, standing out in the 3-0 opening win against Mallorca.

For Spain, too, he has become a vital cog, with his creativity and calmness under pressure earning him comparisons not only to Iniesta but also to other great playmakers in the nation’s history.

While the debate over whether Pedri has truly surpassed Iniesta will rage on, Engonga’s words reflect the growing belief that Barcelona may once again have a generational talent capable of carrying both club and country to glory.