Luis Enrique considers right-back role for Pedro

Posted Wednesday, April 01, 2015 by Marca.com

Pedro is unhappy with his lack of first-team football. Luis Enrique is considering 're-inventing' him, and in doing so, filling the gap soon to be left vacant by Dani Alves.

The Barca boss and his backroom staff are considering playing Pedro at right-back. His physique, his attacking prowess and his speed are perfectly suited to the club's playing style, which demands much more than just defending from its full-backs.

In that sense, the Spaniard brings an interesting combination of hard work, experience and attacking skill which make him a decent option to take over from Alves, given that the club will not be able to sign anyone to replace him until January 2016.

Luis Enrique's plan is reminiscent of the same idea that the late Sir Bobby Robson had with him during his time as a Barcelona player, or the one that Unai Emery had with Jordi Alba in 2009. The then Valencia boss moved the Barça man into defence and turned him into one of the best left-backs in the world.

Pedro is disgruntled by how little he is playing this season. Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez's great form up front for Barça is keeping him out of the starting line-up, leaving him with a substitute's role towards the end of games, something he is in no way used to.