Spanish football club giants FC Barcelona kicked off their La Liga season after an international break with a strong performance. Facing Osasuna at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, the Catalans entered the match as the league leaders and were eager to extend their advantage in the standings.

The hosts, FC Barcelona, humbled Osasuna with a commanding 3-0 scoreline. Goals were scored by Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, and Robert Lewandowski during the match.

Hansi Flick picks his current best midfielder in the world 

Barcelona's manager Hansi Flick, also spoke highly of his team and players who put in great efforts despite missing key players such as Raphinha and Araujo in the first match post-FIFA window. The player Hansi Flick rated the highest was none other than the club's baller, who holds the strings in the midfield, Pedri. Hansi Flick asserted Pedri to be the best midfielder in the world in present times.

“I keep saying that for me Pedri is the best midfielder in the world now. It’s a pleasure to watch him playing, he’s fantastic… an unbelievable player,” Flick said.

Pedri has been in sublime form right since he came back from a devastating injury. Although the midfielder has not been amongst the top goal scorers or assist providers, he has been excellent at his role of knitting efficient line-breaking passes to the forward line. According to Sofascore, the midfielder has averaged a rating of 8 out of 10 this season over the last 6 matches. In addition, he has also amassed 4 goals and 6 assists in 39 appearances this season.

Pedri signed for Barcelona in 2020 after spending the first year of his senior career at Las Palmas. Since then he has made 126 appearances for FC Barcelona across club competitions and has netted 20 goals. He was part of the Spanish squad that lifted the Euro Cup 2024.

After matchday 28, Barcelona leads the Laliga standings with 63 points closely followed by arch-rivals Real Madrid at 60 points. Atletico Madrid is in third position with 56 points to their name.