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!