@football_news857: 🚨🎙️ Zinedine Zidane on the Jude Bellingham vs Pedri debate after Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1 in El Clásico. Reporter: “There has always been controversy surrounding the debate between Bellingham and Pedri. After what we watched yesterday, who do you think is the better player?” Zidane: “Honestly, I’ve always been a huge fan of Pedri, and I won’t lie about that because As someone who played at the highest level and understands how a midfield should operate, there’s no way you won’t appreciate him. But I think it’s finally time we give Jude Bellingham his flowers too. Listen, when you watch these two play, you realise they’re exceptional talents. When I give Jude credit, it’s not necessarily because I think he’s better than Pedri. It’s because of his work rate. He might not have the same natural ability to control a game as Pedri, but the way he gives everything for his team, running, tracking back and helping wherever he’s needed, is incredible. You cannot deny his energy, and I love that about him. But I think people are overlooking Pedri because Barcelona lost yesterday. All respect to Barcelona, but I believe they’re letting him down lately. They’re not doing enough to help him, and if you watched his performances over the last two games, you would understand what I mean. These are the performances we should be discussing, but how can we, as rival fans, defend him when the scoreline has already given people an excuse to overlook his contribution? Watching him yesterday, there were moments when it genuinely felt like he was the only midfielder on the pitch. He made the opposition midfield look helpless, constantly moving the ball, escaping pressure and forcing players to chase him. He drew countless fouls and still provided an assist. Unfortunately, football has become so focused on results that we forget to appreciate individual performances. Of course, winning matters, but some displays deserve recognition regardless of the final score. Pedri’s performance yesterday was one of them. I’m a Real Madrid fan all day long, but that doesn’t mean I have to be dishonest about football. Respect where it’s due. And kudos to José Mourinho and his team for getting the result. If you ask me which player I would want in my team, I would take both. They offer different qualities, and having them together would be incredible. But if you force me to choose one, I’ll go with Pedri. Hardworking players like Jude are extremely valuable, but naturally gifted midfielders who can dictate the tempo, control games under pressure and make football look effortless are rare. Pedri has that gift, and we should appreciate him.”#ElClasico #realmadrid #barcelona

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Monday 26 October 2026 08:53:27 GMT