Manchester United legend Paul Scholes could not overlook the stunning performance from one Barcelona player in the Champions League, despite Marcus Rashford’s show-stealing display against Newcastle.
Hansi Flick’s side arrived in England this week and Barcelona travelled to St James’ Park for their Champions League encounter against Newcastle on Thursday evening.
The Barcelona manager started Marcus Rashford in his side’s first Champions League match of the season and the Manchester United player delivered with his display.
Rashford broke the deadlock for Barcelona in the second half after the former Aston Villa star turned his standing header past Newcastle shot-stopper Nick Pope.
The United loanee had another major impact only nine minutes later after Rashford produced a long-range screamer for Barcelona and put his side 2-0 up in the tie.
Paul Scholes snubbed Barcelona summer signing Marcus Rashford and dropped the ultimate compliment on Pedri
Anthony Gordon reduced Newcastle’s deficit in the 90th minute of Thursday’s Champions League clash after the England star pulled one back against Barcelona.
However, the Magpies were unable to find the crucial equaliser at St James’ Park and Marcus Rashford’s brace for Barcelona was the difference-maker on the night.
Rashford earned widespread praise for his Barcelona performance, with Hansi Flick taking off the Manchester United loanee in the 82nd minute for Dani Olmo.
Paul Scholes, on the other hand, had his full focus on the performance delivered by Pedri, who dazzled the United legend with his showing against Newcastle.
The 50-year-old former United midfielder took to Instagram Stories and shared a photo of Pedri, with Scholes waxing lyrical about the Barcelona and Spain ace.
“My new favourite footballer,” Scholes wrote, adding a heart emoji.
Barcelona midfielder Pedri earned high praise from Newcastle star Anthony Gordon after the Champions League match
Pedri was partnered alongside Frenkie de Jong in the Barcelona midfield pivot and the duo saw out the full 90 minutes of Thursday’s 2-1 win at St James’ Park.
Anthony Gordon praised Rashford’s performance for Barcelona, but the Newcastle winger was also blown away by the dynamic between Pedri and Frenkie de Jong.
“Really tough game. Top team,” he told TNT Sports, as per BBC Sport.
“I felt we had the better moments, but they kept possession. They made it really difficult for us to do our usual press and they controlled the game through that.”
Gordon added: “They did very well at keeping the ball. Pedri and [Frenkie] De Jong were fantastic.
“It’s a top level. [Marcus] Rashford scored two goals out of nowhere. It’s got to be the same for us and take the opportunities when they’re presented to us.”
Barcelona will now resume their La Liga title defence on Sunday evening and Hansi Flick’s men will be in action against Getafe at the Estadi Johan Cruyff.
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