Paul Scholes and Jack Grealish led the praise for Pedri on Thursday after the midfielder helped Barcelona kick off their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 win against Newcastle United .

Marcus Rashford took the headlines with a stunning brace on his return to England, but Pedri also dazzled in the middle of the park alongside Frenkie de Jong .

"My new favourite footballer," former Manchester United midfielder Scholes posted on Instagram alongside a photo of the Spain international.

Grealish, on loan at Everton from Manchester City , said on his stories: "Pedri and De Jong are a joy to watch."

Pedri struggled with injuries earlier in his career, but the 22-year-old has remained fit and has excelled in a deeper midfield role since Hansi Flick took charge in the summ

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