MADRID: Barcelona’s talented player, Pedri is happy to be involved in the Spanish national squad but tried to avoid when compared to the club’s legend, Andres Iniesta.

Pedri, 18, received his inaugural call -up this month to play in the 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign with the Spanish national squad.

After representing Spain at every age level from under 17 to 21, he can now play with the senior squad early this Friday morning Malaysia’s time against Greece.

“I have to be Pedri,” he said when asked about his connection with the former Barcelona midfielder. “It’s an honor compared to Andres Iniesta.”

“Since the first day they treated me very well,” he said referring to a new teammate with Spain.

“Getting to know Jordi (Alba), Busi (Sergio Busquets) and his under -21 teammates made it easier. I really liked Luis Enrique’s applied style of play.

“I hope to be able to learn and adapt well to contribute to the national team.”

Spain, who were knocked out of the 2018 World Cup in the last 16 group stage at the hands of hosts Russia via penalties, are in Group B of the 2022 European qualifiers.

They will be joined by six teams involving Sweden, Kosovo, Greece, Georgia and Estonia and will play in the first three matches.

Greece became the first opponent followed by Georgia on March 28 and home rivals Kosovo three days later.