Toni Kroos, who retired from football last summer, praised Pedri Gonzalez in the latest episode of his podcast, calling him the best player in the world in his position.

This praise came just a week before the decisive El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid at Montjuic Stadium. Kroos analyzed: “Pedri is one of those players whose absence is deeply felt when he is not on the field. He doesn’t just score or assist; he provides solutions. Getting past opponents isn’t always possible with a pass, but Pedri is one of the few midfielders who can dribble past players in tight spaces.”

The former Real Madrid midfielder, who has faced Pedri many times, added: “He is even more important than Yamal, Raphinha, or Lewandowski. They decide the outcome of the game, but Pedri is the one who sets it up. In my opinion, he is currently the best player in the world in his position.”

Kroos described his personal experience playing against Pedri: “I always felt like he wasn’t fast, but suddenly he would start dribbling, and I’d think: at least he must make one mistake I can capitalize on, but he doesn’t make even one!”

He added with an interesting comparison: “He is not like Messi, who moves at high speed. He doesn’t appear fast, but in reality, he is incredibly quick because his movements are unbelievably light and fluid. I love players who not only play well but also play beautifully, and that’s exactly what sets Pedri apart.”