Have A Huge Crush!’ – Why Santi Cazorla Picks Pedri Over Lamine Yamal

A Football Crush You Can’t Ignore

When Santi Cazorla says he has a “huge crush”, you pause and listen.

Not because it’s surprising — but because of who he’s talking about.

The Spanish maestro has openly admitted his admiration for Pedri, placing him ahead of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal in terms of preference.

And his reason?

Pure football philosophy.

Pedri: The Player’s Player

For Cazorla, it’s not about hype — it’s about control, intelligence, and feel for the game.

He sees Pedri as part of a special lineage of Spanish midfielders — the kind who don’t just play football, but dictate it.

Think:

• Xavi
• Andrés Iniesta
• Cesc Fàbregas

That same DNA lives in Pedri.

According to Cazorla, Barcelona simply feel different when Pedri is on the pitch — calmer, sharper, more in control.

Yamal: The Entertainer

Let’s be clear — this is not disrespect.

Lamine Yamal is one of the most exciting young players in world football right now.

• Explosive
• Fearless
• Direct

He’s the kind of player that gets fans off their seats.

But here’s the twist:

👉 Cazorla prefers creators over finishers
👉 Controllers over entertainers

“It’s The Position I Understand”

Cazorla made it simple.

He relates more to Pedri because they share the same footballing role.

As a former midfield conductor himself, he naturally gravitates toward players who:

• Control tempo
• Find space effortlessly
• Make the game look easy

That connection goes deeper than stats or goals.

It’s about understanding the art of midfield play.

More Than Just Talent

What also stood out to Cazorla?

Pedri’s personality.

He praised the Barcelona star for being:

• Humble
• Grounded
• “Very normal”

And in his words, the more normal a player is… the better they tend to be.

That’s a subtle but powerful insight.

Final Whistle

This isn’t a battle.

It’s a perspective.

Pedri vs Lamine Yamal isn’t about who is better.

It’s about what you value in football.

Do you love:

• The magic on the wings?
• Or the mind in the middle?

For Santi Cazorla…

The answer is clear.

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