Toni Kroos, the former Germany midfielder, has praised Barcelona’s Pedri as the best player in his position right now. Despite his history with Real Madrid, Kroos didn’t hesitate to compliment the Catalan star, highlighting Pedri’s ability to score goals, provide assists, and offer creative solutions on the field.

“Pedri is the best in his role at the moment,” Kroos said. “He’s a player you miss when he’s not playing, no matter who you’re up against. He doesn’t just score or assist—he gives you options.”

Kroos also shared some impressive stats about Pedri’s performances this season. In the Champions League, Pedri averages 52 successful dribbles per game, and in La Liga, that number jumps to 59, where he regularly beats 11 to 12 defenders each match. “That’s the toughest thing for a midfielder to do,” Kroos added. “He’s the best, and when he’s missing, you really feel it.”

Carlo Ancelotti has acknowledged that next weekend’s Clásico could be “almost” crucial for Real Madrid’s hopes of winning the La Liga title. Speaking after Madrid’s 3-2 win over Celta Vigo on Sunday, Ancelotti said the team’s chances of catching Barcelona are alive, with just four points separating them.

A win for Madrid at Montjuïc would cut the gap to just one point with three games left in the season. “It won’t be decisive, but almost,” Ancelotti said when asked if Madrid needed to beat Barcelona to stay in the race.

“Winning would put us just a point behind. While the title would still be in Barcelona’s hands, we’d definitely have a better shot.” Barcelona have won all three of this season’s Clásicos so far.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has urged his players to channel their frustration from Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Bournemouth into a strong response against PSG on Wednesday.

The Gunners suffered a home defeat at the Emirates as goals from Dean Huijsen and Evanilson handed Bournemouth the win, despite Declan Rice pulling one back for the North London side. Speaking after the game, Arteta didn’t hide his disappointment but called on his squad to turn their emotions into fuel for their upcoming Champions League clash in Paris.

“Losing always brings frustration,” Arteta said. “Right now, there’s a lot of anger and a sick feeling in the stomach. We have to turn that into energy and deliver a huge performance on Wednesday. Our goal is clear—win in Paris and reach the final.” Despite the setback, Arsenal remains second on the Premier League table, three points ahead of Manchester City.