Michael Pedersen, former player and current U17 coach of Denmark, assures in Goal that he has the qualities to succeed in the Barça club
EXCLUSIVE
The signing of Martin Braithwaite It was a surprise for many, fans of Barcelona and the world of football in general. The 20 million that the Blaugrana club paid to Leganés and the failure of Haaland’s bargain, who finally went to Borussia Dortmund, opened the debate on whether the Danish was a valid player for Barça.
However, Braithwaite has taken advantage of its few opportunities to leave sensations, at least, interesting. And there is still much to see of the battering ram. So see Michael Pedersen, former player and current U17 coach of Denmark: “We have not seen Martin play much at Barça due to the stoppage due to the coronavirus, but he is much better than many believe. He has the ability to adapt to different tactical configurations depending on the clubs that he has represented in his career so far, and I know he can play with a vision and anticipation in his game that is quite extraordinary, “he said exclusively to Goal.
“It’s very good in that phase of the game, where you can see options that a lot of other players don’t see, where you can create space for other players, which is pretty rare, since most players focus on creating space for themselves His speed and timing in his runs is amazing, and he anticipates to attack before the defenders appear. “
“Good players run to the danger zones as soon as they see them, but the best players see the areas, then they wait with their career until the perfect moment with the maximum effect: that is football intelligence, and Martin has that ability. That’s why he’s a Barcelona player, in my opinion. And that’s why I’m looking forward to seeing him play for Barcelona when the league restarts Because with such good teammates, you will have a great chance to show your skills at the highest level. “
The fifth Danish in the history of the Catalan club He has not had an easy road but his work and determination could take him very far: “Martin was very ambitious when he was a teenager and I could see great potential in him. We talk and work a lot together at Esbjerg. I am happy for the player he has become and happy to help him focus on making the right decisions and developing the right way to play in the big leagues. “
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The best mentor for Braithwaite
If Braithwaite has arrived at Barcelona, it is largely because of Pedersen: “It took me to another level. He knows me better than almost anyone in soccer. He was a mentor to me in my younger years and helped me a lot in my development, from a young talent to the player I am today. It took me to another level. He educated me for top level soccer and did so with a level of soccer coaching and knowledge skills that I have not seen many times since. I am definitely the player I am today thanks to him.
“He played as a striker in Spain and wanted to follow in his footsteps. My ambition was to go to Spain and play in La Liga, so I respected him and knew that I could learn a lot from him in my development. Michael taught me how to play soccer with my brain, not just my feet. He showed me how to fall in love with soccer in a new way. I started studying the mental and tactical sides of soccer. For example, I started watching soccer differently than I did. “Previously.
“When I was a teenager watching Barcelona play on television at his home in Denmark, due to Michael’s inspiration, I was trying to read and analyze the game. He not only enjoyed the technical aspect of football, but also the tactics, for example, how to run and how to time your runs and actions. And then I would integrate it into my own game on the field, and that helped me develop a lot as a player. He not only trained on the field with the ball or in the gym, but he constantly trained my mental strength and my football intelligence because he inspired me to do it. “
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