26.01.2011 23:54
Pedro celebrates centenary
Jordi Clos
Pedro Rodríguez played his 100th match for Barcelona against Almeria and was able to celebrate with a terrific goal. He made his first team début three seasons ago and holds the record for scoring in six different competitions in the same season.
On January 12, 2008, a young product of the youth team called Pedro Rodríguez and known as
‘Pedrito’ made his debut for Barça against Murcia. The win already secure after FCB had
gone 4-0 ahead, Frank Rijkaard gave the Canary Islander his chance in the 88th minute. Three years
later, he has consolidated his place in the first team and has completed his first century of
official appearances.
Revelation of 2009/10
In the 2008/09 season, the player now known as Pedro was handed a more regular
place after the arrival of Josep Guardiola, although he alternated first team duties with games for
the reserves.
It was in the 2009/10 season that he really made the breakthrough, when
he became the first man to score in six official competitions. His goals in the European Super Cup
and the World Clubs Cup were essential contributions to the victories in those tournaments, and he
also scored 12 times in the league and was rewarded with a place in the World Cup winning Spain
squad.
In form player
Pedro Rodríguez has confirmed his potential this season. He has scored
11 goals in the league, 3 in the Champions League and 4 in the Cup. He was involved in 14
consecutive league wins and set a personal record by scoring in five matches in a row.
Tonight against Almeria, he was able to celebrate his personal centenary in style with yet
another goal. It came on the half hour from a cheekily converted header from a Xavi free kick. Not
only does he score, but he does so in an incredible variety of different ways!